BILIC GUTTED HE COULDN’T SAY GOODBYE TO SUPPORTIVE PLAYERS AND FANS

Allardyce addresses the West Brom squad just a day after Bilic (left) was shown the door

SLAVEN BILIC has revealed his sadness at not being able to say farewell to the West Brom fans because of the pandemic. Bilic’s reign as boss ended on Wednesday when he was sacked after the Baggies board decided on a change and appointed Sam Allardyce in the hope he could steer the club out of trouble. “Ultimately, I am sad it hasn’t worked out in the way we wanted,” said the 52-year-old.

“But I leave with my head held high, along with some wonderful memories I will always cherish.

“I’m sorry that I cannot say goodbye to you all properly at The Hawthorns. I genuinely wish the club well for the future.

“I am honoured to have managed this unique football club with full commitment and integrity. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to all the players, my hardworking coaching team and our dedicated staff.”

The Croatian, who took charge of Albion in June last year and departs with them in the Premier League relegation places, added: “I am incredibly proud we secured automatic promotion from the Championship in our first season.

“It was a real shame to not have our loyal supporters there with us during that moment and upon our return to the Premier League.

“In what has been a difficult year for so many, those special fans have stood alongside us throughout it all. My staff and I are grateful for having had the privilege to serve them.

“They would have enjoyed some of our excellent performances where the team showed how much they wanted us to succeed.”