West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Slaven Bilic as the club's new manager.

The 46-year-old Croatian, who replaces Sam Allardyce, has penned a three-year contract at Upton Park.

Bilic's 13-year playing career included 18 months with the Hammers before he moved to Everton.

He enters the West Ham dugout following a two-year spell in charge of Turkish side Besiktas. Bilic has previously managed Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow and the Croatian national team.

"I'm really glad to be back with West Ham United," he told the club's official website. "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 a 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."

Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa had also been in the frame for the managerial vacancy at West Ham before Bilic's appointment.