Karren Brady denies holding 'crisis talks' with boss Slaven Bilic

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 10 December 2016

Karren Brady denies 'Bilic crisis talks'

Karren Brady offers her backing to manager Slaven Bilic, who she believes will transform West Ham United's fortunes following a poor first half to the campaign.

West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady has admitted to being "mortified" by last weekend's heavy defeat to Arsenal, but says that manager Slaven Bilic's job is not on the line.

Reports emerged following the 5-1 loss at the London Stadium, which left the Hammers one point above the drop zone, suggesting that showdown talks would be held over the 48-year-old's future at the club.

Brady has denied these claims, however, pointing out that she does not have a history for sacking managers, and has instead given her full backing to Bilic to prove true to his word by turning around United's fortunes ahead of the January transfer window.

"I was mortified by [last week's] West Ham result but there will be no crisis talks as suggested by some media," she told The Sun. "In 23 years in football, my two chairman and I have sacked four managers. The best clubs pull together. That's exactly what we are going to do.

"Slaven and I had tea at the House of Lords [on Wednesday]. For a catch up. Three things he is - decent, passionate, determined. When he says results will turn round, I 100 per cent believe him. We talked about the January window and left feeling optimistic."

West Ham, without a win in five league games since October 22, face Liverpool, Burnley and Hull City in their next three outings prior to Christmas.