Grant takes command at Chelsea

Chelsea FC have named former Israel coach Avraham Grant as their new manager following the departure of José Mourinho earlier this morning.

New position
The 52-year-old had been working for the club as their director of football and will now take sole command, starting with the weekend's big Premier League game against Manchester United FC at Old Trafford. He will be assisted by Steve Clarke. A statement read: "The club is delighted that in [Avraham] we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives. In Steve we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward. Avraham and Steve have our full confidence and support." No details have been released about the length of the appointment.

Israeli posts
Grant coached Maccabi Petach-Tikva FC, Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC and Maccabi Haifa FC in Israel before taking charge of the national team in 2002. He subsequently joined Portsmouth FC as technical director before taking on his previous position at Chelsea in July 2007. The 44-year-old Clarke, meanwhile, played over 300 games for Chelsea and was also Mourinho's assistant.