Source: Daily_Mail
Avram Grant steps down at Portsmouth as West Ham switch becomes imminent
Avram Grant moved a step closer to becoming West Ham's new manager last night after he resigned from the Portsmouth job.[LNB]The Israeli announced his decision in an open letter to fans on Pompey's official website, following his brave but unsuccessful attempt to keep the crisis-hit club in the Premier League.[LNB]'This was one of the most difficult decisions I've had to take in my football career,' wrote Grant. 'After a lot of soul-searching and, under the circumstances, I'm taking adifferent direction.'[LNB] Goodbye to all that: Avram Grant bids farewell to the Pompey faithful after the FA Cup final - his last game at charge[LNB]Grant took over at Fratton Park from Paul Hart last November. Histime at Pompey, though, was beset by off-field problems as the fullscale of Portsmouth's financial troubles began to emerge. [LNB]The club went into administration in February and the followingmonth they were docked nine points by the Premier League, which maderelegation inevitable.[LNB]A captured heart: Grant bows to Portsmouth fans at Wembley[LNB]Grant still managed to lead Pompey to the FA Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to his former side Chelsea at Wembley last Saturday.[LNB]The 55-year-old is now expected to be named as the successor toGianfranco Zola at Upton Park, where he could team up again with hisformer Chelsea assistant Steve Clarke.[LNB] Avram Grant resigns: Read his letter to Portsmouth fans in full Portsmouth offer Kanu a new deal with James, Hreidarsson and RochaPORTSMOUUTH FC
