Source: Telegraph
Avram Grant returns to Portsmouth
The 54-year-old Israeli returns to Fratton Park having occupied the same role from 2006 to 2007 before succeeding Jose Mourinho as manager of Chelsea.
It is the first significant move since Ali al-Faraj completed his 90 per cent buy-out of the club from Sulaiman al-Fahim earlier this week.
Grant, who took Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final, will work alongside manager Paul Hart as the club aim to climb off the bottom of the Premier League with just one win from eight games so far.
News of Grant's arrival was confirmed on Portsmouth's official website by chief executive Peter Storrie who also clarified that Hart's role as manager was secure.
"The club's new owners want to appoint with immediate effect, Avram Grant as director of football," he said. "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.
"We now have two very experienced people working together which will only benefit the club. Paul does not have an assistant but now has a director of football alongside him.
"The manager, director of football, chief executive officer and chief scout will all work together on the buying and selling of players."
Grant's arrival has also been warmly welcomed by England goalkeeper David James.
"I love Avram. He's a great guy: it's a good move," he said. "When I first joined the club he was there and he was very active in preparation for matches. He's a very wise man; his football knowledge is immense.
James is hopeful Grant's arrival and the takeover by Al Faraj will bring some much needed stability to the club.
"The non-pay issue was not good," he added. "The people who needed to get paid got paid but it was more the bigger picture. Now we've got our first win and our first clean sheet, it's a much happier place."
