Blues confirm Grant role
08 Jul 2007 - 15:25:45
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- Blues confirm Grant role
Chelsea have unveiled Avram Grant as the new director of football at Stamford Bridge.
Grant, who was previously technical director at Portsmouth, will work closely with manager Jose Mourinho plus chief executive Peter Kenyon and head of scouting and youth development Frank Arnesen.
The former coach of the Israel national team had been expected to be handed the role due to a close friendship with Chelsea's billionaire owner AS Roman Abramovich.
"Grant will be responsible for liaison on, and co-ordination of, football matters across the various areas of Chelsea," read a club statement.
"He will also sit on the football club board and report to chief executive Peter Kenyon.
"His experience and knowledge will play an important role in the formulation of overall football policy with Kenyon, Jose Mourinho and Frank Arnesen."
Grant has previously coached Maccabi Tel Aviv and also Maccabi Haifa.
Meanwhile, reports in France claim the Blues are close to completing the capture of Lyon winger Florent Malouda.
Last week Kenyon claimed he was closing in on the signing of the France international and Chelsea have now reportedly upped their offer to £13.5million.
Malouda is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge ahead of the club's pre-season tour to the USA.