Grant resigns from Pompey

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Avram Grant has resigned as manager of relegated Portsmouth, the south-coast club have confirmed.

The 55-year old Israeli announced his decision to leave the beaten FA Cup finalists in an open letter to fans on the club's website.

"This was one of the most difficult decisions I've had to take in my football career," said Grant.

Grant, who has been linked with the vacant West Ham job, took over at Fratton Park in November 2009.

He replaced Paul Hart as manager but his time in charge was beset by the club's serious financial problems.

Portsmouth went into administration in February and the following month were deducted nine points by the Premier League, which all but condemned them to relegation.

Despite finishing bottom of the Premier League on 19 points, after their deduction, Grant guided his side to the FA Cup final.

Portsmouth lost the Wembley showpiece 1-0 to Grant's former club Chelsea on Saturday, but the Israeli was given an warm ovation by the club's fans.

"After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances I'm taking a different direction," explained Grant.

More to follow

BBC Sport

Off to West Ham?Looks a bit more likely

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Was always going to happen. Best of luck to him in getting the Hammers relegated.

[Term-X 7,891]

so the west ham people think grant is superior to zola..

jesus christ.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

I don't think Grant will get along with the Hammers owners

[Kez 2,727]

Very likely West Ham will go down next season, Curse of Avram :eyebrows:

[northernblue 2]

West Ham are expected to unveil former Portsmouth boss Avram Grant as their new manager at the start of next month. Grant's expected departure from Fratton Park was confirmed on Thursday and he has been lined up by the Hammers to take over from Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked at the end of the season by owners David Gold and David Sullivan.

Pompey administrator Andrew Andronikou did reveal an approach had been made by a club for the former Chelsea chief but he refused to reveal their identity.

Reports suggest Grant will be offered a two-year deal at Upton Park with Gold and Sullivan placing their faith in the Israeli to guide the club into calmer waters following a disappointing campaign under Zola, in which the Londoners only just avoided relegation.

A club spokesman said: "West Ham United can confirm the club is making good progress in the search for a new manager and the appointment will be made by early June.

"The club is in the middle of a thorough selection process which could continue over the next 12 days before being finalised.

"The new manager will then have a month to prepare for the start of pre-season, with all at the club determined to improve on the previous campaign."

source: Premier League football news