Slaven Bilic says he is disappointed things didn’t work out for him as planned following the Baggies promotion into the elite League yet believes there is a course for him to be happy with his ’head held up high’.

The Croatian was discharged from his duties as the manager of West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday morning due to his side's inability to put games to bed.

West Brom are second in the relegation zone with seven points after 13 matches and the board’s duty to keep the team in the Premier League was deemed necessary for new hands regardless of an impressive 1-1 draw at the Etihad on Tuesday night.

The 52-year-old was replaced by Sam Allardyce with an 18-month contract on Wednesday evening to help keep the team in the League, with a break clause if the Baggies are relegated.

 “I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to all the players, my hard-working coaching team, and our dedicated staff,” Bilic wrote.

READ ALSO:

West Brom appoints Allardyce as Manager

I am incredibly proud that we secured automatic promotion from the Championship in our first season.

“It was a real shame to not have our loyal supporters there with us during that moment and upon our return to the Premier League. 

“In what has been a really difficult year for so many, those special fans have stood alongside us throughout it all. My staff and I are grateful for having had the privilege to serve them.

“They would have enjoyed some of our excellent performances where the team showed how much they wanted us to succeed.

“Ultimately, I am sad that it hasn’t worked out in the way we wanted. But I leave with my head held high, along with some wonderful memories that I will always cherish.

“I’m sorry that I cannot say goodbye to you all properly at The Hawthorns. I genuinely wish the club well for the future.”