Slaven Bilić born September 11, 1968 coach of the Croatian national team. He was an important member of the Croatian team during their successes from 1994-1998, winning a third place medal in the 1998 World Cup.began his career at his home town club, Hajduk Split, in the former Yugoslavia at nine years of age and spent six seasons there as a professional before moving to the Bundesliga in a £750,000 deal in 1993. After impressing for German side Karlsruher SC including a UEFA Cup semi-final appearance he was bought by English Premiership side West Ham United's manager Harry Redknapp for a fee of £1.3M, in January 1996.

His form for the Hammers saw him selected for the Croatian national team for Euro 96 held in England. He shone on the international stage as Croatia made their way to the quarterfinals of the tournament where they were beaten by eventual winners Germany.

His displays in the tournament led to Joe Royle brokering a £4.5M move to Everton in March 1997, but Bilić claimed he had a debt of loyalty to West Ham that saw him stay with the club until the end of the season to ensure they were not relegated – but it is also alleged he picked up a £200,000 'loyalty bonus' by staying. He turned out for Everton in August 1997, after assuring himself of new manager Howard Kendall's full support, he initially brought some class to Toffee's backline but his season was marred by bookings that saw him miss several games through suspension.

It looked like his Everton career was over but he went into the 1998 World Cup with Croatia and the team were the surprise package of the tournament, reaching the semi-finals where they took on hosts France. Croatia finished in third place after winning the playoff game.

MANAGERIAL POSITION