Work permit holds up Grant arrival

New West Ham manager Avram Grant will not begin his reign at Upton Park until later this month as he waits for a work permit.

Grant was named as Gianfranco Zola’s successor on a four-year deal yesterday but the appointment is subject to a successful work permit application.

The 55-year-old Israeli must reapply every time he starts a new job, though West Ham expect the process to run smoothly.

Co-chairman David Sullivan has revealed that new players will be arriving at Upton Park over the summer, though how much Grant has to spend has yet to be revealed.

“I’m delighted to welcome Avram to West Ham and am confident he will prove a success,” Sullivan told the club’s official website, www.whufc.com.

“We have taken our time over this appointment and are certain we have got the right man.

“We are all looking forward to next season with new players coming in and Avram’s arrival is just the latest reason for real optimism.”

Grant’s priority is to prevent a repeat of last season which saw the club flirt with relegation before finishing in 17th place with 35 points.

Only the feebleness of the teams that ended up in the relegation zone kept West Ham safe and co-chairman David Gold believes Grant’s arrival will lead to less anxious times.

“I have to say that having met Avram and spent some time with him, we have got our man. He is a perfect fit,” said Gold.

“We needed experience and stability. He’s a footballing man and quite frankly his reputation speaks for itself.

“He has a great sense of humour and I’m sure the players will relate to him and the fans will warm to him.”