Slaven Bilic says he is 'hugely disappointed' by his West Brom sacking

Slaven Bilic paid tribute to West Brom's 'loyal supporters' and said it was a 'shame' that he has been sacked before he welcomed them back to the stadium to witness top-flight football again.

Bilic guided West Brom back to the Premier League last season but his side have struggled since securing their return, winning only one of their 13 league games so far this season.

The Croatian was 'hugely disappointed' to be sacked on Wednesday, a matter of hours after an impressive 1-1 draw away to Manchester City. He has been replaced by former England manager Sam Allardyce.

In a statement exclusively to Sportsmail, Bilic said: 'I am hugely disappointed to have left West Bromwich Albion.

'I am honoured to have managed this unique football club with full commitment and integrity. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to all the players, my hard-working coaching team and our dedicated staff.

'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.'

Bilic was informed of his dismissal at 11:45am on Wednesday but a decision was made on his future after the weekend defeat by Newcastle - and before Tuesday night's plucky draw with Manchester City.

A club statement confirming his sacking read: 'West Bromwich Albion have parted company with Head Coach Slaven Bilic.

'Assistant Coaches, Dean Racunica and Danilo Butorovic, and First Team Coach Julian Dicks have also left the club with immediate effect.

'The Baggies are currently 19th in the Premier League table with seven points from 13 fixtures.

'Albion would like to thank Slaven and his coaching staff for their efforts in achieving promotion last season and wishes them all well in the future.'

Sportsmail revealed Bilic was holding talks with club bosses over his future as early as October 30.

The draw at Manchester City took them to seven points from 13 games since they came up from the Championship. They are currently two points off safety.

Bilic tried to deflect questions about his future on Tuesday night but admitted the situation was out of his hands. 'I'm very calm,' said the 52-year-old.

'I'm doing my job. I'm not bothered about (my future).

'I can't be more proud of what my team showed tonight. The other things are out of my control and I'm not bothered.'

Allardyce is in line for a £2million bonus if he keeps West Brom in the Premier League.

He has agreed a deal at the Hawthorns until at least the end of the season. There is an option for the contract to be extended by a further 12 months if he manages to steer the club to safety.

He will be assisted by Sammy Lee, his close friend and long-time right hand man.