Zola takes charge of West Ham

[Assassin]

Steve Clarke has handed in his resignation as Chelsea assistant first-team coach, with West Ham having made an approach to take him to Upton Park.

The Hammers appointed Gianfranco Zola as manager on Thursday and appear to want Clarke, 45, to be his number two.

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 on Thursday.

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."

[Reece]

I've never really understood how you can reject someone's resignation. If I want to resign I bloody well will. Is it basically to do with contracts?