It has been the subject of derision, ridicule and claims even that it doesn’t exist: But any true Hammers fan will know exactly what is meant by ‘the West Ham way’ even if some cannot put it into words.
Former Hammers player and manager and true legend Slav Bilic, speaking to the [telegraph.co.uk,](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/03/23/slaven-bilic-saudi-pro-league-west-ham-football-management/) has revealed his deep love for the club and offered a perfect description of the mythical West Ham Way.
_“That West Ham Way. Spurs fans, Arsenal fans try and mock it but there is a West Ham way”_ Bilic says. _” For me there is: it’s roll up your sleeves, do a sliding tackle.. but nutmeg him also. That’s the West Ham Way: Harry Redknapp was like that. Harry wanted to attack. He was the one who brought Futre, Di Canio, Joe Cole,Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Roy Ferdinand. Skilful players. The fans loved it”_
Perfect, Bilic goes on to describe his own take – ” _my philosophy is to put as many talented players on the pitch, as many Payets, but to make them work hard. That’s the West Ham Way and that’s my way”_
Giving a long interview, covering his career before and after West Ham as both player and coach and his recent troubled management experiences in Saudi Arabia , Bilic proves beyond doubt that Hammers fans are a discerning yet fickle bunch who are often hard to please.
The Croatian also expresses the surprise he first felt when the West Ham faithful took him to their hearts: _“They loved me”_ Bilic says. _“I even asked myself why? I was there 18 months as a player and I left for Everton and they were angry and didn’t want me to go”._