• Grant ponders offers from West Ham and FC Twente
• Manager thanks Pompey fans who ‘brought tears to my eyes’
Avram Grant resigned as manager of Portsmouth tonight following a “lot of soul-searching”, having decided that the club’s instability and dire financial position meant he felt it would be impossible to build for the future as the newly relegated club embark upon life in the Championship.
The Guardian understands that Grant has been offered the chance to succeed Gianfranco Zola as the West Ham United manager by the co-owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, and is now at home in Israel deciding whether to do so. Grant is also considering an offer from FC Twente, the Dutch Eredivisie champions, to take over from Steve McClaren, who is now in charge at Wolfsburg in Germany.
It is also understood initial contact was made by Liverpool last week when Rafael Benítez appeared to be considering a move to Juventus. However Juve’s appointment of Luigi Del Neri yesterday has caused Benítez to refocus his energies at Anfield, with the Spaniard claiming that his ongoing career is still with Liverpool.
Grant’s preference for his own future is to continue managing in the Premier League, though he is attracted by the challenge of coaching Twente in next season’s Champions League, a competition he reached the final of two years ago when in charge of Chelsea.
Grant took the decision to resign from Portsmouth following a difficult season which ended with relegation, the club having entered administration in February. Grant, though, won respect for his dignified approach to the club’s serial problems and his feat in taking Portsmouth to last Saturday’s FA Cup final with Chelsea, which was lost 1-0. In an open letter to Portsmouth supporters published on the club website Grant wrote: “After a lot of soul-searching and under the circumstances I’m taking a different direction.
“It’s been both a difficult and complex year for us at the club, but at the same time it’s been a wonderful and uplifting professional and personal experience. I have been inundated with letters and emails from fans. Many have brought tears to my eyes and take it from me; it takes a lot to do that.
“I will never forget you, the loyal fans of Pompey who, without a doubt, helped me protect the team under such complex circumstances. There are very few teams in the world that have fans as passionate and devoted as you are.
“I wish you all the possible success which you genuinely deserve.”
Avram GrantPortsmouthWest Ham UnitedFC TwentePremier LeagueJamie Jacksonguardian.co.uk
