Cottee - Bilic will turn things around


West Ham United legend Tony Cottee is convinced his former team-mate Slaven Bilic will turn things around quickly and help the Club enjoy a successful season in the top flight.


After starting the season in sensational form when the Club secured a 2-0 away win over Arsenal, the Hammers have failed to build on their early momentum and have suffered consecutive home defeats against Leicester and Bournemouth.


Despite the poor run of form in the last two games, Cottee has no doubts that there is enough quality in the squad to get the season back on track but has stressed that they need to cut out their defensive errors.


Cottee played alongside Bilic at the Boleyn Ground and knows he will be desperate to put things right when the Hammers travel to play Liverpool on Saturday.


Cottee said: “Slaven was a whole-hearted defender and I am sure he would have been disappointed at the weekend.


“The West Ham fans know their football and credit to Aaron Cresswell for saying his performance wasn't good enough. It is early days and our performances will get better. As a team I think we will be fine this year.


“There was always going to be a transitional period with a new manager coming in and players need to get used to the new ideas and a new way of playing.


“Credit to Slaven for being honest but he will work harder and we will get out of this.


“The players need to prove to Slaven that they should be in the team.”


Cottee, who scored an incredible 146 goals in 336 appearances for the Hammers, knows the Club are working hard to bring in another striker before the transfer window closes and hopes the return of Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia from injury will provide enough firepower in the squad.


Cottee added: “We lost Enner Valencia to a bad injury and Andy is still out. We need reinforcements upfront and I'm sure the Club will be looking to bring another striker to the Club.


“I have got no doubts we will be okay and we have got enough quality upfront when everyone is fit.”


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