Originally Posted by Twistys Tim

They do not want Zola, they want Clarke. Clarke leaving was the beginning of the end for Chelsea. Chelsea were doing very well under Raneri, Jose, Grant, and Scolari until Clarke left in September 2008 -- it was after Clarke's departure that things started going down the shitter for Chelsea. In many ways, all of the managers from 2003 to present day were the public front for the club -- with Clarke the man behind the scenes making it actually happen.

The acrimonious circumstances of Clarke leaving Chelsea will prevent him from leaving West ham to rejoin Chelsea, and I do not think Zola is in any mood to get fired by RA.

Zola knew that if he was going to build a winning team at West Ham he HAD to have Clarke with him, as Zola knew that Clarke was the reason - mainly - for Chelsea's successes.