Hammers must wait for Bilic

Former Upton Park defender committed to Croatia

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 5th September 2008

Slaven Bilic Croatia

Bilic: Committed to Croatia

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Slaven Bilic has reiterated his desire to one day manage West Ham, but intends to stay at the helm of Croatia until 2010.

Bilic remains among the frontrunners tipped to take charge at Upton Park following Alan Curbishley's decision to step down just three games into the new Premier League season.

But the former Hammers defender has no plans to walk away from his current post leading his homeland as they bid to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa.

Croatia, who reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2008, have been paired with England once again in qualification, with the first meeting between the two clubs taking place on Wednesday night in Zagreb.

Bilic told Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti: "I always said West Ham will be my choice when I return to England.

"However, my contract with the Croatian FA expires in 2010 and I am intending to lead Croatia in this period."

Di Canio

Several names have been linked with the post including Roberto Mancini, Gerard Houllier, Gianfranco Zola, Sam Allardyce and Roberto Donadoni.

One former West Ham player who has thrown his hat into the ring is controversial Italian striker Paolo di Canio, according to his agent Phil Spencer.

Spencer said: "We have made moves to talk to West Ham and advised them that he [Di Canio] wants to be considered.

"He wouldn't be putting himself up for the job if he didn't think he was capable of doing it.

"He just wants the opportunity to sit in front of the decision-makers at West Ham to tell them what he would do and how he would take them forward."