West Ham United part ways with Slaven Bilic

West Ham United have dismissed Slaven Bilic from his managerial role following the club's dismal start to the 2017/18 season. The east London side are placed 18th in the league standings following the 4-1 defeat to Liverpool, which ultimately cost Bilic his job.

A statement on the club's official website read: "The Chairmen and board of West Ham United would like to place on record their thanks and gratitude to Slaven and his team for their services over the past two-and-a-half years, but believe a change is now necessary in order for the Club to move forward positively and in line with their ambition."

Bilic's position has initially come under threat at the end of last season where he failed to guide the club to a top-half finish. However, the club's hierarchy were prepared to stick with the Croatian for the final year of his contract after recruiting key players including Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez.

Things did not go the Hammers way following the start of the season, and consecutive defeats at home by a three-goal margin eventually urged the club's co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to opt for a change. Former Sunderland boss David Moyes is currently the leading candidate to take over the reins on an interim basis until the end of the season.