West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has penned an emotional message to the club following his dismissal after poor run of results in the Premier League.

Bilic was sacked on Wednesday after the Baggies draw against Manchester City just 18 months in charge of the club.

The Croat who helped West Brom to regain promotion back to the Premier League on the final day said he is proud to have been part of the club history.

He also apologized to the club supporters for not bidding them a proper goodbye.

“I’m sorry I cannot say goodbye to you all properly at The Hawthorns,” Bilic said..

“I am incredibly proud that 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.

“My staff and I are grateful for having had the privilege to serve them.

“Ultimately, I am sad that is hasn’t worked out in the way we wanted.

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

The club has immediately appointed Sam Allardyce to take over as the new manager.

The club in a statement said;

“West Bromwich Albion are delighted to confirm the appointment of Sam Allardyce as the club’s new Head Coach.

“The experienced boss, who has 512 Premier League games to his name, arrives at Albion with his long-time assistant, Sammy Lee. 

“The Dudley-born manager returns to The Hawthorns more than 30 years after starting his coaching career with the Baggies under former boss Brian Talbot in 1989.   

“He has now taken the reins at a record eight Premier League clubs, including Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and in his last role, Everton.

“The 66-year-old, who agreed terms on an 18-month contract earlier today, will take training on Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa (ko 7.15pm). 

Sporting and Technical Director, Luke Dowling, said:

 “In Sam we have a man who has a proven Premier League pedigree with a track record of improving every club he has managed. 

“We believe and, more importantly, Sam believes we have a group of players that have the quality needed to give the club its best chance of Premier League survival.”