Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Clarke wins Lamps backing

15 Sep 2008 - 12:17:42

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Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes the Blues should allow assistant manager Steve Clarke to join West Ham United.

Clarke had his resignation turned down on Friday and has been placed on gardening leave while the two clubs argue about compensation for the 45-year-old's services.

It has been reported that the current Premier League leaders are demanding £4.8million for Clarke, who still has two years left on his Stamford Bridge contract.

However, the Hammers are only willing to pay out £500,000 in compensation.

Lampard told the Evening Standard: "If he goes to West Ham it will be a loss, but I don't think you can ever take away a man's right to do what he wants to do.

"I think Clarkey has been an unbelievable servant for Chelsea for many years as a player and as a coach.

"He has been an important member of the back-room staff for what we've done over the last few years.

"But if he feels he wants to go and do something different - I know he has intentions to be a manager in his own right - you can only wish him all the best."