Source: Telegraph
Avram Grant confirmed as West Ham manager on four-year deal
The appointment, which is still subject to a work permit, has been anticipated ever since Grant resigned from Portsmouth two weeks ago, shortly after his Portsmouth team were defeated by Chelsea in the FA Cup Final. [LNB]The 55 year-old will replace Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked by West Ham last month after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League. [LNB] Related ArticlesWest Ham set to name new managerWest Ham reveal Beckham interest as Cole snubs moveGrant close to signing for West HamGuillermo Franco to leave West HamStill hope for Scott Parker?Scott Parker 'not for sale'Although Grant brings with him an impressive CV, having taken Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008 and taking stricken Portsmouth to Wembley against the odds, it is his affordability which will have recommended him to co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan above other candidates such as Mark Hughes and Sam Allardyce. [LNB]Gold said: 'I have to say that, having met Avram and spent some time with him, we have got our man. He is a perfect fit. [LNB]'We needed experience and stability. He is a footballing man and quite frankly, his reputation speaks for itself. He has a great sense of humour and I am sure the players will relate to him and the fans will warm to him.' [LNB]Having just left one financially-treacherous club, Grant will certainly have sought assurances about the state of West Ham's books before committing himself to a lengthy deal at another. [LNB]Although there is currently little money to spend on reinforcements, Grant may be given the authority to embark on a full-scale clear-out of the squad, with the sale of established players such as Carlton Cole, Rob Green and Matthew Upson funding a sea of new faces. [LNB]'I am proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham,' Grant said. 'It will be an exciting challenge and I am ready to do my best. [LNB]'This is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world. I am already looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season.' [LNB]Grant will have plenty of time to assess his new squad once they assemble for training on July 5, nine days before West Ham's first pre-season friendly against Peterborough.[LNB]
