BENNI McCarthy's West Ham ordeal is over after he agreed a £1.5million pay-off to terminate his contract.

The South African striker made just 14 appearances for the Hammers since joining from Blackburn Rovers for £2.2m last January and did not manage a single goal.

The 33-year-old could have pocketed £2.3m had he decided to sit on the sidelines until his £38,000-a-week deal expired in June 2012.

A statement on West Ham's website read: “West Ham United have mutually agreed with Benni McCarthy to part company with immediate effect.

“The club would like to wish Benni the best for the future.”

McCarthy was fined by the club for failing to meet the requirements of a fitness programme and was subsequently left out of Avram Grant's 25-man squad, announced in January.

West Ham had tried to send the player out on loan until the end of the season but teams were reluctant to meet his wage demands.