Slaven Bilic Set for Unexpected Comeback to English Football After 18 Months
Slaven Bilic is reportedly poised for a surprising return to English football after nearly three years away. The former West Ham player and manager has not held a managerial position since his dismissal from Al-Fateh in Saudi Arabia in August 2024.
Potential Role at Blackburn Rovers
Bilic, 57, is now a candidate to fill the managerial vacancy at Blackburn Rovers. The position opened up after Valerien Ismael was dismissed following a disappointing run. Ismael, 50, could not secure a victory in his last nine matches, resulting in Blackburn’s fall to 22nd in the Championship table, just three points above the relegation zone.
Ismael’s Tenure and Departure
- Ismael’s Blackburn record: 11 wins out of 43 matches.
- Last nine games: zero wins, five losses.
- Notable defeat: 1-0 against Hull City on Saturday.
Blackburn confirmed Ismael’s departure by mutual consent, expressing gratitude for his efforts and wishing him well. The club is now actively searching for a new head coach.
Bilic’s Recent Career Highlights
Bilic’s last managerial role was at Al-Fateh for a brief 36 matches, where he left just before the start of the 2024-25 season. Before that, he spent a tumultuous time at Watford, managing only 26 games. His earlier stint at Beijing Guoan lasted just over three weeks as he faced managerial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic after his exit from West Brom.
Previous Achievements in English Football
Bilic is perhaps best known for his work at West Ham United. From 2015 to 2017, he managed 109 matches, achieving a noteworthy seventh-place finish in his first season. However, his tenure ended with the team struggling in the relegation zone during the 2017-18 season.
| Club | Matches Managed | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham United | 109 | Seventh place finish in first season |
| Watford | 26 | Short tenure, struggled to find form |
| Al-Fateh | 36 | Left before the new season began |
Bilic also had a successful playing career in England, featuring over 50 times for West Ham and more than 30 appearances for Everton. As Blackburn Rovers looks for new leadership, Slaven Bilic may soon make a noteworthy comeback to English football after an extended absence.
