Newcastle boss Steve McClaren: Slaven Bilic "perfect fit" for West Ham United

Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has praised West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic, stating that the Croatian is the ideal man to lead the Irons forward.

Bilic was in charge of the Croatia national side when they beat McClaren's England outfit 3-2, a defeat that saw the country fail to qualify for the 2008 European Championships.

"It seems a lifetime ago. We have met since and he's a fantastic character, a fantastic man," McClaren told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"He did very well, he's done very well since. He's a good man, a good coach, a good manager and I think a perfect fit for West Ham.

"He's a perfect gentleman and the passion that he shows for his teams, his football - he's taken that to West Ham and is making them a very good team."

McClaren, who is staying positive despite his side's failure to record a Premier League victory so far, will take on West Ham on Monday evening.