Source: SKY_Sports
Hammers offer Clarke extension
West Ham have approached assistant boss Steve Clarke about extending his contract - but he is in no rush to sign. The former Chelsea number two signed a three-year deal earlier in the season when he switched to Upton Park as assistant to boss Gianfranco Zola.The pair have been linked with a move back to Chelsea at the end of the season and the Hammers' decision to offer the pair contract extensions is a clear indication of their desire to head off any potential summer move.But Clarke, while flattered by the extension offer, is in no hurry to sign."I think Gianfranco is in discussions with the club about extending his contract, the club have approached me about the same," he said.Good discussions"We have had good discussions but I have only just arrived and already they are talking about extending so it means we have done something right."Discussions are ongoing but it will be sorted when it is sorted. There is no great rush to do anything. I signed here for almost three years and I will have two years left come the summer, so there is no rush. There is no rush on my side or the side of the club."He added he is enjoying his time at Upton Park."I think it was a strange move for a lot of people when I came here but I feel justified in making the move," he said, adding he is pleased with how the Hammers have done until now."We would like to see the job out and finish in seventh."Chelsea gameThe Hammers entertain Chelsea on Saturday and asked if it was a good time to be playing the Blues, he said: "They are in the middle of a difficult run of matches, a lot of big games. I'm sure maybe they'll think about resting one or two players against us at the weekend."But it is only a great time to play them if you beat them after the match. Before the game, I'm sure they'll approach it, they won't want to lose, it's a big London derby. "It will be a difficult, difficult game."But he is hopeful of a result, saying: "We have been playing well recently but we haven't beaten one of the big teams yet and it would be nice to start at the weekend."It is just another game for me. It is three more points in the chase for a place in Europe."I had great times at Chelsea but it has gone, it is in the past and I have to look forward. I am at West Ham now."