Clarke parts company

West Ham United can confirm that Steve Clarke has parted company with the club by mutual consent after nearly two years at the Boleyn Ground.

The first-team coach arrived in September 2008 as assistant to Gianfranco Zola as manager. West Ham United would like to thank Steve for his hard work and commitment as well as wish him well for the future.

Clarke said: "I have enjoyed my time at West Ham. I was looking for a fresh challenge in football before I arrived and certainly got that.

"It was a good experience which will help me in the future. I would particularly like to thank the fans for all their support and the players and staff for their efforts.

"I will follow the club's progress with interest and I am sure, with the new stability off the pitch, that the team will have every opportunity to do well next season."