Quote:Portsmouth have confirmed Avram Grant will take over as manager to replace the sacked Paul Hart at Fratton Park.

Hart was relieved of his duties earlier this week following a disappointing start to the season which has left Pompey bottom of the Premier League.

Former Chelsea boss Grant initially appeared not to be in contention to succeed Hart, with ex-Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson installed as favourite for the job.

However, Pompey held talks with Grant regarding the position on Wednesday and have now confirmed the Israeli as the club's new manager.

Grant had been appointed as director of football by Pompey last month and had been awaiting a work permit to get stuck into his role.

He has now received the necessary clearance to start work and will be in the dugout for Pompey's home date with champions Manchester United on Saturday.
Respected

Pompey chief executive 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 had previously been director of football at Portsmouth in 2006/07 before he joined Chelsea in a similar position, later replacing Jose Mourinho as manager.

For Saturday's game against United, he will take charge in his capacity as director of football, with Pompey needing to acquire a new sponsorship number from the Football Association in order to change his permit status to become manager.