Exclusive: Pundit makes big claim about Slaven Bilic contract situation at West Brom
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips wants to see Slaven Bilic see out the season at West Brom but claims that the manager’s contract situation might not be discussed until next summer.
Albion hired Bilic on a two-year contract last year, meaning that his deal expires at the end of this season.
The former West Ham manager won promotion with the Baggies in his first year and in his second year he has been tasked with keeping the Black Country club in the Premier League.
However, Bilic has publically criticised the club’s transfer budget and lack of investment from owner Guochuan Lai.
Speaking to Croatian news outlet Index HR last month, Bilic said: “We must seize this opportunity. We must not become a club that will constantly balance between the Premier League and the Championship.
“We need to invest a little so that we can get £100million every year. That’s £500million over the next five years.
“You must invest.”
Since then, West Brom have suffered a disappointing start to life back in the Premier League by losing 3-0 and 5-2 to Leicester and Everton respectively before seeing a three-goal lead against Chelsea end in a 3-3 draw.
Richard Keys has tipped Bilic to leave The Hawthorns before Christmas and for the Baggies to be relegated but Phillips is hopeful of the club being patient with their manager.
“I’m just hoping Bilic is there at the end of the season because how many times have we seen a manager do well and get a team promoted, they start the season poor and then the club acts swiftly? We saw it with Jokanovic at Fulham. He didn’t get five minutes to try and keep them in the Premier League,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“I’m hoping they get a result quickly and Bilic is there at the end of the season. They can worry about his contract then.
“I’m sure he’s not worried about it, the next game is his concern.
“I know the supporters like him. He showed how passionate he is when he was having a go at the referee [at Everton] – the club means a lot to him. I wouldn’t be concerned.”
We don’t expect Albion to discuss a new contract with Bilic until at least the end of the current transfer window so it’s likely that talks will start in the last half of October or in November.
It’s unlikely they would risk leaving the talks as late as the end of the season.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies have agreed a seven-figure fee for this transfer.
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