Source: SKY_Sports
Clarke commits to Hammers
Steve Clarke has joined Gianfranco Zola in committing his long-term future to West Ham by signing a new four-year contract.[LNB] Hammers boss Zola has repeatedly spoken of the pivotal role first team coach Clarke has played in the club's success this season, in what has been an encouraging debut campaign for the Italian.[LNB]Clarke is a revered figure on the training ground after previously establishing himself as a key tactician in Chelsea's backroom staff under a number of managers, who were all united in singing his praises.[LNB]Zola put pen-to-paper on his contract at the weekend and now Clarke has followed suit in striking an accord with the club's board.[LNB]Clarke is confident the club are heading in the right direction but is refusing to rest on his laurels as he looks to make further improvements next season.[LNB]Deal delight"I am delighted," he told the club's official website. [LNB]"I have had a great time since I came here. We have done OK. There is a lot more still to be done and the contract reflects that.[LNB]"It is a long-term contract and what Gianfranco and myself and the rest of the coaching staff look forward to is improving things and working hard every year to make things better and better at this football club.[LNB]Important signing"The manager and his staff have to be close and they have to believe in the same things. That is what we do and we try and give that message to the players and so far it has been OK."[LNB]Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury was equally delighted with the deal as he added: "Everyone knows how hard we worked to bring Steve here alongside Gianfranco last September and we have been rewarded for that effort. [LNB]"He is a major part of what we are trying to achieve and the respect he has at all levels of the club is clear to see. [LNB]"Like Gianfranco, Steve is a winner and someone who is used to success. We are all very confident that he can help move West Ham United to the next level by passing on his knowledge and expertise to the experienced internationals we have in the squad as well as our hugely talented youngsters."[LNB]
