Clarke finally moves to Hammers
Clarke moves to Upton Park after 20 years at Chelsea
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Monday, 15, Sep 2008 10:42
Steve Clarke has become Gianfranco Zola's first-team coach after West Ham reached a financial settlement with Chelsea.
The 45-year-old handed in his resignation at Stamford Bridge last Thursday, following the appointment of his former Chelsea team-mate Zola as manager at Upton Park.
Chelsea initially refused to accept his resignation after senior first-team players pleaded with Luiz Felipe Scolari to persuade Clarke to stay.
Chelsea had sought £5 million compensation for the Scot as he made clear his desire to move across London, but West Ham were prepared to pay only £1 million, but it seems a compromise has now been agreed.
"We are very pleased to welcome Steve Clarke to the club," West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said.
"Steve is rightly regarded as one of the top coaches in Europe and his experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to us.
"He recognises what we are trying to achieve at West Ham United and wants to be a part of that.
"We have worked very hard to bring him on board and are confident we now have the perfect coaching team."
Clarke spent 20 seasons at Chelsea, both as a player and as a coach.