West Ham United's managerial appointment seems all but sewn up, with a string of European managers having turned the position down, it seems that ex-Hammer Slaven Bilić will be announced as the clubs 15th every manager within the next few days. Bilić has recently left as manager of Turkish side, Besiktas. Reportedly, so he could join back up with the club he played for in the 1996-97 season.
With the social-media voice of David Sullivan's youngest son, Jack, highlighting that; "Cheeky update - we expect to announce our new manager within 48 hrs or less, keep visiting official WHU web site, where it will be announced." With the Hammers supposedly down to a handful of potential managers, it leaves Bilić and Marcelo Bielsa the only real possibilities. That is, out of those who have been named as being on the Hammer's radar, there could yet be a curve ball thrown, but, it is highly doubtful.
With the shortlist by no means singled down to the last remaining man in Bilić, one huge hint as to the new appointment was made when David Gold gave an interview update on the clubs official site, saying; "It would be lovely to have someone with West Ham history, that ticks a box." - out of all the possible appointments - Bilić is the only man on the list who holds that large 'tick'. As well as this, football agent Muzzi Ozcan took to Twitter to - it seems - break the news a bit prematurely from the club's perspective; "West Ham has agreed terms with Slaven Bilić wish my good friend a great season at West Ham ! And welcome to the East End !"
One thing is for sure, he will provide a huge spark around the club. Regardless of those who may well scrutinise his club-level management career he is everything Sam Allardyce isn't. It is almost the 'ultimate' appeasing of the fans by the David's. It will be an thoroughly interesting time at the club if the Croat does indeed get the position.
Hand in hand with this news, which is expected to come within the next two days, is that young Jack Sullivan also took to Twitter to let fans also know; "We expect a major player signing this week, I'll update you as soon as its done" - a new manager, and a 'major' signing, within the week? West Ham fans will be licking their lips in anticipation. A betting man would put a large sum on it being Bilić, and either Andre Ayew - who the club are looking to prise away from Marseille, or young Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria. Ayew, would obviously fit the bill of 'major' more so than Obiang in this instance though.
However, this is West Ham so - expect anything. The club thought they had Rafa Benitez sewn up as their new manager before Real Madrid came calling at the last moment, so, who's to say the landscape the David's are working on won't shift one last time before the new manager at the East London club is announced? Either way, the Hammer's may be able to start letting their anticipation come to a head in the next few weeks which are sure to be busy.