Hammers deal means Repka goes in May

Tomas Repka is to leave West Ham on a free transfer at the end of the season. Repka, who joined the club from Fiorentina for £5.5million in September 2001, has one more season left on his contract but has agreed a deal to go in May.

West Ham, whose play-off hopes suffered a setback following the 1-1 draw with Millwall, are desperate to reduce their £12.3m wage bill should they face another season in the Championship. Repka's departure will help since the former Czech Republic international is still on a Premiership contract.

The Upton Park club will have reduced their debt to £31m by the end of the season but will lose out on the £6m parachute payment.

West Ham manager Alan Pardew, though, still believes there is a way yet to go before the play-off places are decided. Even a win at Stoke tomorrow will leave the club still a point behind sixth-place Reading. "We need to win at Stoke," said Pardew. "I believe we can get it."

Barry Hayles opened the scoring for Millwall in the 12th minute but Marlon Harewood equalised 10 minutes before the break.

Meanwhile, Millwall manager Dennis Wise's future at the club remains in doubt.

"I need to have a chat with the chairman at the end of the season to find out exactly where he wants to go," said Wise. "I would like to stay."