Pompey fans behind new boss Grant

Avram Grant will take charge of training for the first time today at Portsmouth knowing he has the backing of the supporters.

The former Chelsea manager replaces Paul Hart, who was sacked on Tuesday with the club rooted to the foot of the Barclays Premier League with only seven points from 13 games.

Grant’s first match is against a familiar foe in Manchester United at Fratton Park tomorrow.

The Israeli will no doubt be hoping to turn the tables on Sir Alex Ferguson’s side as his last game in charge of Chelsea was the Champions League final of 2008. It ended in agony for Grant with his team losing on penalties in Moscow.

Now he is entering a new era and Nigel Tressider, chairman of the official Portsmouth supporters club, welcomed the appointment.

He told Sky Sports News: “It is good for the club. He is very experienced and has the ability. He also has good contacts and knows what he is doing.

“Hopefully the new owners will give him the money for players he needs to strengthen the squad and keep us in the Premier League.”

Portsmouth have no doubts Grant can rally the players.

Chief executive officer Peter Storrie said: “Avram is a very experienced and respected manager who has managed at the highest level. The board believes he is the man to help steer the club out of the relegation zone.

“He will take charge of training on Friday alongside first-team coaches Paul Groves and Ian Woan.”

Former England midfielder Paul Merson, who had a spell at Portsmouth, fears for the club’s status.

He said: “I am shocked and surprised. They had a great team spirit even though they were bottom. This could go completely the other way and turn things upside down.

“Paul Hart brought players in, who were out of favour at their clubs, and gave them a second chance. Now he is gone I am worried for Portsmouth. I could see them getting out of trouble, now I am not so sure.”

Grant was due to receive his work permit for his director of football role this week and the club have revealed he will at first continue to work in this capacity.

The club will then “go through the process of making the technical change that will allow Avram to become manager”.

It adds that this involved “acquiring a new sponsorship number from the Football Association to change his permit status”.

Hart, meanwhile, last night confirmed he has rejected the club’s offer of a return to his former role with the youth set-up.