Chelsea assistant Clarke hands in resignation

SOCCER: Chelsea have confirmed that assistant first team coach Steve Clarke has handed in his resignation.

It is understood Clarke - who has been at Chelsea for over 20 years as player and coach - wants to team up with his former Stamford Bridge team-mate Gianfranco Zola, who was confirmed as West Ham's new manager yesterday.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "Chelsea can confirm that West Ham have made an approach with regards to talking to Steve Clarke.

"They have not been given permission to talk to him.

"Steve Clarke has tendered his resignation as assistant first team coach. We have not accepted his resignation. Talks are continuing."