Slaven Bilic hasn't picked up his his Gibson Explorer rhythm guitar since joining Watford because he's been too busy sorting out the riff from the smooth.
In his other incarnation, between a distinguished playing career and moving into management, the Hornets' head coach played in five-piece rock band Rawbau. Back in the day, their song Vatrino Ludilo (translation: Fiery Madness) became a Croatian football anthem, and Bilic's stock at Vicarage Road rose immeasurably in the fiery madness of Watford's 4-0 derby demolition of neighbours Luton last weekend.
If he can solve the riddle of his team's model inconsistency – they have not won two consecutive games for 18 months, or two in a row in front of fans since December 2019 – it would be one of his greatest hits. Bilic is planning to add fellow West Ham legend Julian Dicks, with whom he worked as Hammers boss until they sacked him five years ago, almost to the day, to his staff.
