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.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.'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.' Goodbye to all that: Avram Grant bids farewell to the Pompey faithful after the FA Cup final - his last game at chargeGrant 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. The club went into administration in February and the followingmonth they were docked nine points by the Premier League, which maderelegation inevitable.A captured heart: Grant bows to Portsmouth fans at WembleyGrant still managed to lead Pompey to the FA Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to his former side Chelsea at Wembley last Saturday.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. Avram Grant resigns: Read his letter to Portsmouth fans in full Portsmouth offer Kanu a new deal with James, Hreidarsson and RochaPORTSMOUUTH FC

Source: Daily_Mail