UPDATE - Wow, this is surprising. Chelsea in ANOTHER power struggle, this time with Number 2 Steve Clarke and his tendering of a resignation to join up with new West Ham boss and former Chelsea player / coaching buddy / friend Gianfranco Zola.

And it’s looking like Chelsea aren’t too happy about it and have not only denied West Ham the ability to approach Clarke, but have refused to accept his resignation.

Damn, 20 years at the club and having been through the Gullit, Mourinho, Grant and Scolari (although new) eras, this is how it’s going to go down?

Italian legend and former Chelsea start Giofranco Zola has been formally introduced as the new boss at West Ham after signing a three year deal following Alan Curbishley’s resignation last week.

The 5′ 5″ 42 year old, who has been working with the Italian U-21 squad as an Assistant to Pierluigi Casiraghi for the past couple of seasons has represented the Azzuri at the highest level 35 times, scoring 10 times. “I’m delighted to be here. It’s a great honour to be involved in such an important job,” he said live on Sky Sports News. “I’ve promised I’d do my best for the club. It’s a club with tradition. I’m here to help to develop the talent and the team.

“I want to help the players individually and as a team, by passing on my experience and knowledge. I’ll do everything I can to succeed in this.”

“My philosophy is to play offensive football if I can because I trust it. We have to make it enjoyable for the players and then for the club and fans.

“Obviously we’ll have to be a balanced team, but the philosophy will be to play attacking football.”

Will Chelsea Number 2 Steve Clarke be on his way to West Ham to play at similar role at Upton Park?

image via SkySports