The buzz around West Ham isn’t just confined to the style of football Bilic has inspired alone, which is exciting to say the least. No, there is more to the Hammers than goals, counterattacks and inconsistency. Slaven Bilic is fronting a new era for West Ham, as the East Londoners plan their move to the Stratford based Olympic Stadium.

The change in stadium will make the Hammers a more accessible brand; 54,000 seats and international rail links, are just two of the many elements that will encourage more people around the world to support West Ham. Like it or not, these are the modern day requirements to be a top four team in the Premier League.

So far this season a top four finish isn’t beyond Bilic and West Ham, although many said the same this time last year under Sam Allardyce after their impressive early season form. However, throughout Allardyce’s tenure there was always the impression that he was keeping somebody else’s seat warm.

[ffc-gal cat="west-ham" no="5"]

The purpose of Allardyce’s reign was to ensure Premier League survival until the owners felt confident enough to hire a more suitable candidate to take the Hammers to the next level, and Bilic fits the mould. The Croatian is an ex-West Ham player with impressive managerial credentials.

The West Ham project is an exciting one, although the Hammers still have a lot to play for this season before they move to their new home next season. On the pitch they are enthralling to watch, with pace in abundance. The squad itself has the depth and quality to rival Harry Redknapp’s team of 1999. And Dimitri Payet is the most breathtaking player to wear a West Ham shirt since Carlos Tevez.

It would be unjust, however, to talk about the West Ham project without mentioning club captain Mark Noble. The local lad is an important cog in the Hammers' machine; his presence will surely aid the West Ham transition from football club to football brand. Furthermore, aside from Chelsea, the top six teams cannot boast of a local born captain.

At present West Ham are part of a cluster of teams in the Premier League trying to break out of mid-table and challenge for European places. However, the Hammers have an advantage over the likes of Everton, Southampton and Swansea. As a London based club West Ham can provide a more appealing lifestyle for potential suitors. With an established manager and a large capacity stadium, West Ham is arguably the most exciting project in the Premier League.

The next step for Bilic is to create enough momentum this season for West Ham's debut season at the Olympic Stadium, whether that’s European football, or an FA Cup run, we’ll have to wait and see.

The Hammers now have the financial clout and commercial pull to hang onto their finest players, a luxury they haven’t been able to afford in the past. They have the stadium, they have the manager, and now all they need is to build a squad that can dominate for the decades to come.

[ad_pod id='writeforus' align='center']