Slaven Bilic's return to West Ham United as manager has been confirmed, with the Croatian signing a three-year deal at Upton Park.

The former Hammers defender succeeds Sam Allardyce in the Upton Park hot-seat in what will be the final season at the club's historic home ahead of next summer's move to the Olympic Park in Stratford.

Allardyce was told following the final day defeat at Newcastle United his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season after four years at the helm.

The Hammers had been linked with Sevilla boss Unai Emery, former Borussia Dortmund chief Jurgen Klopp and even outgoing Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, among others.

However, it became apparent on Monday evening the former Hajduk Split and Everton defender Bilic would be installed at Upton Park.

He told the club website: “I’m really glad to be back with West Ham United. It’s in the Premier League, which is among the best in the world. It’s a big challenge and you are competing with the best and what better club to do it with than West Ham.

“I remember West Ham as a special club. I love these kinds of special clubs. My last club, Besiktas, was that kind of club. It’s not about the size – West Ham is big club – there is something special about them - they are a cult clubs.

“It is a great place to play and I felt like I was at home. It is a big privilege and a big responsibility to now be manager and I hope that I will prove it to the board, players and fans.

“My first priority when choosing a club is to look at its ambitions. When I spoke to the chairmen and Karren Brady, they made clear that it is not only the fantastic new Stadium we are moving into, but they showed their determination and ambition to make what is a big club even bigger.

“I saw their determination and passion that they want to do that. That was the number one reason. I could feel that they really wanted me so it was an easy choice.

“I would say to the West Ham fans that I will give my best and together we will achieve great things.”

Bilic spent time as a player with the Hammers in the ‘90s, establishing himself as a fans’ favourite after joining in January 1996 before a £4.5 million switch to Goodison Park in March the following year.

A final hurrah with home-town club Hajduk followed in 2000 before the 46-year-old took charge of the side for a brief period in 2001. In 2004 he became manager of Croatia Under-21s.

A successful couple of years with the Under-21s the former defender progress to the top job of national team head coach in 2006.

Bilic was in charge as Croatia famously did the double over England in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. The Three Lions’ failure to progress as a result led to the sacking of Steve McClaren.

Despite failing to lead Croatia to the 2010 World Cup, Bilic continued as manager and led the nation to Euro 2012 qualification, departing after the tournament.

A brief spell in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow followed before Bilic joined Turkish side Besiktas, leading the Black Eagles to two third-place finishes in the Turkish Super Lig.

Upon Bilic’s Besiktas departure, West Ham co-chairman David Gold told the club website: “It would be lovely to have someone [as manager] with West Ham history. That ticks a box.”