Source: PA
Grant to miss Hammers trip
West Ham have confirmed manager Avram Grant will not take charge of the team for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Stoke so he can observe the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
The Israeli will pick and prepare the side as usual, but will not be on the bench at the Britannia Stadium as he is required to participate in 25 hours of fasting and prayer over the course of Friday and Saturday.
His coaching staff will oversee first-team affairs for the bottom-of-the-table encounter.
A statement on club website www.whufc.com read: "Avram Grant will not be taking the team for the match against Stoke City on Saturday.
"Out of respect for the traditions, heritage and religious obligations of the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, Avram Grant will not be in the dug-out at Stoke City this Saturday.
"Assistant manager Zeljko Petrovic, senior coach Paul Groves and first-team coach Kevin Keen will all be on the bench at the Britannia Stadium."
