Avram Grant is the new manager of West Ham United - subject
to the formalities of a work permit.
West Ham insiders have confirmed to Soccernet that
Grant has been appointed as the successor to Gianfranco Zola, who
was sacked two weeks ago.
Soccernet understands that Grant held a private
meeting with the Hammers' board on Thursday to cement his three
year, £3 million contract. The official announcement is being
delayed purely due to the wait for a new work permit to be issued
for the job at Upton Park.
A West Ham insider confirmed to Soccernet: "Avram Grant
will be appointed manager subject to the club gaining his work
permit, which takes time, but should be a formality."
Grant was wanted by half a dozen clubs in Europe, but has chosen
West Ham and an instant return to the Premier League after
relegation with FA Cup finalists Portsmouth.
Grant's name was first linked to the West Ham job on
Soccernet.
Grant quickly rose to take the position despite candidates such
as Mark Hughes, Slaven Bilic and Steve McClaren being in the
frame.
McClaren opted to switch from Dutch to German football with
Wolfsburg, while Hughes believed he would attract a much bigger job
and priced himself out of the market. Bilic considered a return to
Upton Park where he was a popular player but wanted a £40 million
transfer budget - out of proportion with the Hammers' financial
predicament.
David Sullivan and David Gold were attracted to Grant by
his heroics at Fratton Park with penniless Pompey. West
Ham, too, are working on a tight financial restraints, and Sullivan
revealed recently that the club were days away from administration
before they took over with a £50 million, 50% takeover at the turn
of the year.
This week Sullivan and Gold bought a further stake for £8
million, £4 million going into the club to meet pressing
liabilities and for down payments on new signings. Grant's
first task is to sort through a list of nearly 30 players who are
available for transfer and who would welcome a move to Upton
Park.
Sullivan and Gold are making preliminary enquires about
several on the list, and initial offers have been
lodged.
West Ham believe that the work permit is a "formality" but
cannot unveil Grant as their new manager until it arrives, and it
is expected on Tuesday or Wednesday.