Former Hammer dropped for survival lifeline

Former Hammer Grady Diagana took no part in a critical win for Slaven Bilic and West Bromwich Albion as they beat Sheffield United moving out of the relegation zone into 17th place.

Former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic made  Diangana his marquee signing of the summer for the Baggies but he was an unused substitute.

Slav forked out a club-record transfer fee of £18m for Diang who spent last season on loan at West Brom and played an integral part in their promotion from the Championship.

Bilic’s secured Diangana’s services on a full-time basis and have handed the winger a five-year deal running until the summer of 2025.

Bilic has come under pressure for that decision and it has even been suggested hee could face the sack although a rare win will save him.

However, the absence of Diangana from the winning team will raise other questions on whether the money was wisely invested when survival in the Premier League is their number one aim.