West Ham have confirmed that former Chelsea and Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has been signed on a four-year contract.
The Israeli was heavily criticised during his tenure at Chelsea, despite bringing the club within a penalty kick of a Champions League win.
He oversaw Portsmouth during a difficult financial period for the club but proved a fan favourate despite the fact that Pompey were relegated at the end of the 2009/10 season.
Grant will replace Gianfranco Zola who was sacked despite keeping West Ham in the Premiership and enjoying the support of his players.
“The squad are set to report back for pre-season training on Monday July 5, meaning the new manager will have plenty of time to put together his squad for the 2010-11 campaign,” said a statement from West Ham.
“With the aim to build on the proven international talent in the ranks and exciting youngsters coming through, the club expect a number of new signings to be made over the coming weeks.”
Grant described himself as being “proud and honoured” to have secured the job.
