Grant takes up West Ham reins
Thursday, June 3, 2010
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West Ham United FC have confirmed Avram Grant as their new manager, the 55-year-old joining on a four-year contract. "I am proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham," he said.
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West Ham United FC have confirmed the appointment of Avram Grant as their new manager, the 55-year-old Israeli joining the London side on a four-year contract.
"I am proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham," Grant said. "This is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world."
Grant spent most of last season at Portsmouth FC, who were relegated from the Premier League after having nine points deducted for going into administration. Even so, Grant was able to lead them to the FA Cup final, where they were beaten 1-0 by his former club Chelsea FC last month.
Grant, who has coached Hapoel Petach-Tikva FC, Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC, Hapoel Haifa FC and Maccabi Haifa FC as well as the Israeli national team, is most famous for his brief spell as Chelsea coach.
He replaced José Mourinho in September 2007 and led the club to the UEFA Champions League final where they were unfortunate to lose to Manchester United FC on penalties in Moscow. Grant takes over from Gianfranco Zola who was sacked after West Ham finished 17th, one place above the relegation zone.