Source: Daily_Mail
New West Ham boss Avram Grant chases Portsmouth back-up team
Avram Grant's first task as West Ham manager will be to raid the coaching staff of his former club Portsmouth.[LNB]The 55-year-old agreed a four-year deal to take over at Upton Park yesterday and will officially start once a work permit has been processed. [LNB]There had been suggestions the Israeli would team up again with his former Chelsea No 2 Steve Clarke, who remained at West Ham after Gianfranco Zola left last month.[LNB]However, Clarke is understood to be close to agreeing a severance package on his £1.2million-a-year contract and won't hang around for an opportunity to renew the partnership that took Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008. [LNB] New man in charge: Avram Grant has been confirmed as West Ham manager[LNB]Grant is set to target former Portsmouth assistants Paul Groves and IanWoan as part of a new backroom team, although first-team coach Kevin Keen is expected to stay on in some capacity.[LNB]On his way: Steve Clarke is set to leave West Ham[LNB]Grant arrives in east London having overcome the odds to steerPortsmouth into last month's FA Cup final, where the fairytale endedwith defeat by Chelsea. [LNB]Working amid horrendous financial constraints, he inspired a clubwho had been placed into administration to punch well above theirweight and won admiration inside and outside of Fratton Park as aresult. [LNB]His defiance of Championship-bound Portsmouth's dire situation andsuccess on the pitch earned him the adoration of Pompey supporters andsaw his stock as a PremierLeague manager soar.[LNB]Grant said: 'I'm proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham.It's an exciting challenge and I'm ready to do my best. West Ham are afantastic club with great fans and a history respected around the world. I'm looking forward togetting to work with my players in July and preparing for the newseason.'[LNB]West Ham co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold described Grant's appointment as the 'beginning of a new era'. [LNB] Up and down: The Hammers finished just one place above the relegation zone[LNB]Gold said: 'I have to say that, having met Avram and spent some timewith him, we have got our man. He is a perfect fit. We neededexperience and stability. He's a footballing man and, quite frankly, his reputation speaks for itself.[LNB]'He has a great sense of humour and I'm sure the players will relate to him and the fans will warm to him.' [LNB] Satisfied: Sullivan (left) and Gold are glad to have secured ex-Chelsea boss Grant[LNB] Sullivan added: 'We have taken our time over this appointment andare certain we have got the right man. We are all looking forward tonext season with new players coming in, and Avram's arrival is just thelatest reason for real optimism.'[LNB] Avram raring to go at West Ham after signing four-year deal as new bossWest Ham eyeing move for Israel and former Chelsea striker Ben SaharJEFF POWELL: Immaculate Moore is the leader of my pack of England lionsWEST HAM UNITED FC
