Former West Ham United defender Igor Stimac hopes that Slaven Bilic will be a success as the club's new manager.

Bilic, who is also an ex-Hammers defender, has returned to Upton Park as successor to Sam Allardyce.

Stimac played with Bilic for Croatia and he believes that his former teammate is ready for the challenge that lies ahead in East London.

"I hope Slaven and West Ham are a great fit. Slaven knows the club and the ­atmosphere around it. They used to love him while he was playing there," Stimac told The Mirror.

"He is a wise guy. He needs to make good signings, some proper signings, players with passing quality, and he will be OK.

"Is he ready for the Premier League? He knows the league and the players so why not? The biggest problem for Slaven is that the Europa League starts so soon, so he has to be very careful this season."

Bilic has also managed Croatia, Besiktas, Hajduk Split and Lokomotiv Moscow.