Portsmouth have confirmed that Avram Grant will takeover the managerial reigns at Fratton Park following the sacking of Paul Hart. The south coast outfit face Manchester United at the weekend, the same opponents against which the Israeli made his coaching debut while at Chelsea.
Speaking about the appointment Pompey chief executive officer Peter Storrie told the club’s official website:
"Avram is a very experienced and respected manager who has managed at the highest level. The board believes he is the man to help steer the club out of the relegation zone.
"He knows the club, the players and the set-up at Fratton Park, so it was the logical move to make him the next manager, once the board had decided to relieve Paul Hart of the role.
"He will take charge of training on Friday alongside first-team coaches Paul Groves and Ian Woan."
Grant spent the 2006/7 season as Pompey’s technical director before joining Chelsea as director of football. He became manager at Stamford Bridge and steered Chelsea to the Champions League final.
The 54-year-old was appointed Pompey’s director of football in October subject to a work permit.