Less than 4 weeks ago, former Israeli and Chelsea coach Avram Grant was appointed Director of Football of Portsmouth FC, at the troubled south coast club. Earlier this week, he was announced as the new manager of the club, replacing Paul Hart, who had been dismissed earlier this week under cloudy circumstances. Coincidence? I think not. Despite Pompey, and equally as much Hart, being very unlucky in recent matches, he was still relived of his duties’ to the disappointment of many of the Pompey players and Football pundits alike. The players at the club, wanted to fight for Paul Hart, and prove their worth to the man who brought them in amongst turmoil with a dragged out takeover and crippling financial difficulties, that saw the likes of Peter Crouch, Jermaine Defoe, Niko Kranjcar, Sylvain Distin and Glen Johnson being sold in order to cut costs.
A phrase being used amongst many people this week, including Football pundits relating to Liverpool’s champions league exit, and even stars such as Floyd Mayweather with regards to the prospect of the fight of the decade with Manny Pacquiao, is "men lie, woman lie, but the numbers don't". This is the case especially with Portsmouth under Hart this season. Pompey have played 13, won 2, Drawn 1 and lost 10 matches, leaving them with only 7 points and at the bottom of the league. This probably justifies why the Ali Al-Faraj, via the board, relieved Hart of his duties and decided that the best “unemployed” man for the job, would be Champions League, Premiership and League Cup runner-up Aram Grant.
The Israeli is probably an excellent choice due to his track record with Chelsea, in the Premier League. The appointment of Grant will undoubtedly bring in a wealth of experience, tactical knowledge and more knowledge of foreign players then Football Manager! Grant has already expressed his desire to add to his squad within the January transfer window. If he can bring in a decent striker who could have taken the chances that Aruna Dinadane missed against Manchester United. Avram Grants need to get his work permit altered in order to be officially confirmed as manager, ignore the 4-1 defeat to the excellent Man United and focus on the positives. Pompey have a Carling Cup quarter final to look forward to against Aston Villa and need to get focused for the next 5 league games. However Avram Grant seems the consummate professional who has what is required to transform the club.
The Israeli is probably an excellent choice due to his track record with Chelsea, in the Premier League. The appointment of Grant will undoubtedly bring in a wealth of experience, tactical knowledge and more knowledge of foreign players then Football Manager! Grant has already expressed his desire to add to his squad within the January transfer window. If he can bring in a decent striker who could have taken the chances that Aruna Dinadane missed against Manchester United. Avram Grants need to get his work permit altered in order to be officially confirmed as manager, ignore the 4-1 defeat to the excellent Man United and focus on the positives. Pompey have a Carling Cup quarter final to look forward to against Aston Villa and need to get focused for the next 5 league games. However Avram Grant seems the consummate professional who has what is required to transform the club.
Next 5 Fixtures:
Carling Cup Quarter Final, Tues 1st December 09
Portsmouth vs Aston Villa - 7:45
Premier League, Sat 5th December 09
Portsmouth vs Burnley – 12:45
Premier League, Sat 12th December 09
Sunderland vs Portsmouth – 15:00
Premier League, Weds 15th December 09
Chelsea vs Portsmouth – 19:45
Premier League, Sat 19th December 09
Portsmouth vs Liverpool – 12:45
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