Chelsea Grant Avram four-year deal

CHELSEA have confirmed that manager Avram Grant has signed a four-year deal as manager.

Israeli Grant, 52, took over as Chelsea boss earlier this season in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s shock departure and has gradually won the fans over with consistent performances and results in both the Premier League and European competition.

Former Chelsea great Kerry Dixon hailed the move claiming Avram Grant’s unassuming manner has proved a hit with the players.

Since losing his opening game at Manchester United, Chelsea have amassed a 16-match unbeaten run under the 52-year-old and the deal is reward for his promising start.

Dixon, who made 335 appearances for Chelsea in his nine years at the club, believes Grant is viewed as a long-term solution at Stamford Bridge.

He said: “Chelsea have honoured their intentions because they always said Avram wasn’t going anywhere. He’s here to stay.

“Since he’s taken over at Chelsea he’s been quiet and assuming, yet the team has gone on a decent run under him.

“Not much is really heard about him. He’s not as flamboyant as Jose used to be.”

Dixon insists England midfielder Joe Cole, who struggled with injury last season, is one of the players who is thriving under Grant’s guidance.

“Everybody responds differently to different styles of management and Avram’s quiet manner is obviously liked by some of the players,” he said.

“Look at Joe Cole — he’s in great form this season. He’s playing more regularly and has virtually been ever-present.

“Like many people I didn’t know much about Avram before he was appointed to replace Jose.

“The real gauge of Avram’s managerial ability will be decided by which trophies he wins.

“But he’s got a deal for four years so he won’t be judged on this season alone. Chelsea have shown what their intentions will be by giving him the four years.”

Former Israel coach Grant first arrived in England in 2006 when he was appointed technical director at Portsmouth.

Earlier this year he took on a similar role as director of football at Chelsea.

Chelsea were fifth in the Barclays Premier League when Mourinho departed, two points behind leaders Arsenal and having made a modest start to the Champions League with a 1-1 draw at home to Rosenborg.

Since then the Blues’ form has improved and on Tuesday they completed their group campaign as pool winners.

On the domestic front they head to Arsenal for Sunday’s Premier League clash just three points behind the Gunners.