West Ham United have reached a settlement with Gianfranco Zola following his departure as manager in May.

Zola, who was sacked on the back of a disappointing Premier League season, was only partway through a three-year contract which he signed when he arrived at Upton Park in September 2008.

The Hammers have since appointed former Portsmouth and Chelsea boss Avram Grant as the club's new manager.

Meanwhile, Zola's number two, Steve Clarke, has also now left Upton Park after being left in limbo following the Italian's sacking. Clarke was brought to the east London club from Chelsea by Zola in the early days of his reign.

"I've enjoyed my time at West Ham. I was looking for a fresh challenge in football before I arrived and certainly got that," he told the club's official website.

"It was a good experience which will help me in the future. I'd particularly like to thank the fans for all their support and the players and staff for their efforts.

"I will follow the club's progress with interest and I'm sure, with the new stability off the pitch, that the team will have every opportunity to do well next season."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email