Pompey confirm Grant return
Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant appointed director of football at Portsmouth
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By Michael Younger. |  |
Wednesday, 07, Oct 2009 04:27
By Alistair Potter.
Portsmouth have confirmed the reappointment of Avram Grant as director of football following the successful completion of the club's takeover.
Grant, 54, returns to Fratton Park two years after leaving for Premier League rivals Chelsea to take up a similar position.
The Israeli coach will work alongside current Blues manager Paul Hart, who will maintain day-to-day control over team affairs including selection policy.
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said: "The club's new owners want to appoint, with immediate effect, Avram Grant as director of football.
"Paul Hart remains as manager and Avram Grant will work alongside him and give him the benefit of his experience. Avram's role is to help and advise Paul. Team selection matters will remain with the manager."
Storrie welcomed the appointment, saying the arrival of a second "very experienced" individual to join Hart in the team's coaching hierarchy "will only benefit the club".
"Paul does not have an assistant but now has a director of football alongside him," he continued.
"The manager, director of football, chief executive officer and chief scout will all work together on the buying and selling of players."
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James, who is currently on duty with the England national side, welcomed the move.
He said: "I love Avram.
"When I first joined the club he was very active in the preparation for games.
"His football knowledge is extensive and on top of that he's a very nice bloke. In my view it's a good move."
Grant was sacked by Chelsea 18 months ago, despite taking over as head coach in difficult circumstances following the acrimonious departure of Jose Mourinho.
The former Israel national team coach led the Londoners to runners-up spot in the Premier League, as well as the finals of the League Cup and the Champions League.
However, he was sacked just six months into a four-year contract after failing to delivery any silverware.