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David Gold admits that were he to have the last six months over again knowing what he knows now Slaven Bilic would be the automatic No 1 choice as West Ham manager.

Gold spoke to ClaretandHugh as he headed for today’s clash at Vicarage Road and said: “There could be no doubt about that – we’re so pleased it all worked out as it did.

“At the time you look at the known CVs and they tell you what you think you need to know. Slaven’s of course was incomplete by comparison with such as Rafa Benitez.

“But now you look at the passion, the amazing results the flexibility of thinking and way we approach games tactically and you think…yes he’s the one. He’s the man.

“And as a result of that I have to say that if I could have that time over again, knowing what I know now about him, he would be the only choice as manager.

“We are all very excited by the future but today we need to beat Watford and I am on my way there believing we will.”