Super Slav stabbed in the back
Emotional Slav claims he was told defender Ahmed Hegazi would stay but instead has now moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad on loan but will sign permanently at the end of the season.
Bilic said the Egypt central defender had been part of his plans for last night’s game at Brighton and told BBC Sport “He has experience. He is a top professional.
“I wanted him to stay and he wanted to stay and then something happened and then he is off although I had assurances from the club that he would stay.
“That happened yesterday. Of course I am not pleased. I am really disappointed because we need players. There is of course the economic side but we are a football club.”
Hegazi made 104 appearances for West Brom and started 14 games last season as they won promotion to the Premier League from the Championship.
ClaretandHugh: That’s an insult to a manager and Super Slav still holds a special place in the hearts of many Hammers fans. For a manager to suffer such behaviour is dreadful and of those who deserve it less is Slav who is as honest and open as the day is long. In days when managers often gild the lily ( to put it politely) he remains as straightforward and truthful as the day is long as witnessed in his words to the BBC. It would have been easy to say nothing but that’s not Slav’s way. He made his feelings very clear on behalf of himself and no doubt the fans. It also begs the question as to the type of club that former Hammers academy product Grady Diangana has joined. He and the rest of the squad must be wondering how their boss could have been undermined as badly as this which makes his job infinitely harder. It’s a real stab in the back.