Shaka Hislop thinks future is bright for West Ham with Slaven Bilic in charge

Former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop thinks the appointment of manager Slaven Bilic has been the key factor in the Hammers' "dream season".

The 47-year-old Bilic, a former West Ham player, took charge of the east London side last summer and is enjoying a memorable first campaign at the helm.

Having won three successive games in the Premier League, the Hammers are just two points behind Manchester City in the race for the fourth Champions League qualification spot.

And they remain in the hunt for the FA Cup, having drawn 1-1 at Manchester United on Sunday to set up an Upton Park quarter-final replay.

Hislop, who had two spells at West Ham during his career, says he is thrilled by the club's success.

Speaking at a Show Racism the Red Card event, he told Sky Sports: "I always felt that Slaven Bilic was the right fit, not just because of what he gave as a player at West Ham, but because he understands the club and understands what the fans want.

"He has delivered on that. The fantastic football you saw earlier in the season in particular, the sublime goals, as we saw from (Dimitri) Payet last night and, if they need to be more direct and physical, they can match anyone in the league.

"It really has been a dream season for West Ham. Let's hope it continues and that they get rewarded for it this season with European football at the very least, and that things continue for Slaven Bilic.

"The club are moving into a new stadium next season, which will be key to their long-term fortunes.

"They have the right man on the sidelines and they have the foundations in place."