Source: Team_Talk
Pompey hopeful Grant will stay on
Portsmouth have not given up hope of Avram Grant remaining in charge at Fratton Park, despite the Israeli being lined up by West Ham.[LNB] Grant is understood to be top of the Hammers' wanted list to replace Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked last week after the club only just retained their Premier League status.[LNB]The 55-year-old guided Pompey to the FA Cup final against all the odds in the wake of financial meltdown at Fratton Park, which led to administration, the deduction of nine points and relegation.[LNB]However, Grant maintained he would stay on if assurances over the long-term stability of the club could be guaranteed under new ownership.[LNB]The Israeli's affection for the south-coast club does not make his decision an easy one, and administrator Andrew Andronikou feels there is still "every chance" Grant could elect to fight on for Pompey in the Championship.[LNB]"Avram has not yet decided to go, in fact I think he wants to stay with us," Andronikou told the Portsmouth News.[LNB]"I spoke to him on Monday night and he is still contemplating.[LNB]"The future of this club is still on his mind.[LNB]"He wants to know the outcome of the CVA (company voluntary arrangement), something I am absolutely confident will go through by the middle of next month.[LNB]"Avram can see that we are moving things forward and, for that reason, I believe we have every chance of keeping him.[LNB]"I want him to stay, but all this conjecture is putting intense pressure on him.[LNB]"We had a gentleman's agreement that he would see out the season, now we are in discussions about the next stage.[LNB]"He has the full support of the club and we want him to remain here."[LNB]Grant still has two years left to run on a deal at Fratton Park which may well have been invalidated anyway by non-payment of wages, while Portsmouth look ready to waive any compensation claim should the former Chelsea boss decide to take up West Ham's offer.[LNB]Confirmation of a formal approach from Upton Park has yet to be forthcoming.[LNB]However, it has been suggested the Israeli is set for a three-year deal worth £1.3million, as well as a bumper transfer kitty with new owners David Sullivan and David Gold looking to take the east-London club forwards.[LNB]Andronikou maintains Portsmouth will understand should Grant wish to leave.[LNB]"We will not stand in Avram's way," the administrator added.[LNB]"There is a contract in place, but I have said we are not going to ask for compensation.[LNB]"We at least owe him that after the tremendous job he has done for this football club."
