Avram Grant Takes On Challenge of Keeping Portsmouth Up

Friday, 27th November 2009

Following the sacking of Paul Hart as Portsmouth manager, Avram Grant has finally been confirmed as the official replacement. Speculation had been rife about the possibility of the former Chelsea boss returning to management, and Grant hasn’t disappointed. He will now face the massive challenge of keeping Portsmouth, who are rock bottom of the standings, in the Premier League.

The Israeli tactician, whose best achievement was a heartbreaking defeat to Manchester United in the 2007/08 Champions League final, is, although highly regarded by many, yet to be considered a top-notch Premier League manager. Many attributed his appointment at Chelsea to his friendly relationship with The Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich. Furthermore, many felt it was the players, rather than Grant, who deserved the credit for barely missing out on Champions League and Premier League glory under his reign.

Despite such criticism of the 54-year-old, Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie, feels they have the right man for the job, as he told the The Times, “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.”

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