Source: Telegraph
Avram Grant's return to Portsmouth held up by work permit complication
Grant was expected to take up his post as director of football at Fratton Park on Monday but the Home Office are refusing to let the 54 year-old resume his old post until his work permit application has been considered and signed off. [LNB]While there is no suggestion the Israeli will not be granted a work permit, the process could take up to two weeks to be finalised. [LNB]Race is on for 2010 World Cup tickets in South AfricaA-level results: students face scramble for 22,000 clearing placesPortsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said of the delay: "Avram has not got his work permit yet and there is nothing we can do to speed it up. [LNB]"He has applied in the normal way and all we can do is wait and see what happens. It is annoying but these things take time."[LNB]Meanwhile, Storrie has urged Portsmouth fans to pay their respects to Harry Redknapp when the former coach returns to Fratton Park on Saturday. [LNB]Redknapp makes his first visit back to the south coast after leaving for Tottenham last October. [LNB]Storrie said: "Obviously we all know what reaction he will probably get. I just hope the fans will be fair and realise the success that Harry brought to the club, which was tremendous. [LNB]"I know people say 'oh you're biased because he's your friend' but he has brought great success to this football club - the highest League position in post-war, seven years in the Premier League, winning the FA Cup - you can't have any more than that. [LNB]"Harry's a top-quality manager and there will be a lot of people here who will appreciate that. Yes, obviously he will get some sort of stick and he knows that but you have to remember the job he's done for the club."[LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]
