Avram Grant has been confirmed as the new West Ham boss this week, after signing a four-year deal with the East London club. However, is he the right man to take the Hammers forward?
The co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have declared that the club are entering a new era and have seen Grant (subject to him receiving a work permit) as the man to lead the cash-strapped side through it.
The Israeli, who steered Portsmouth to this season’s F.A cup final, left the relegated southern club approximately two weeks ago, and is now set to take charge of the Hammers next season.
Despite internal chaos and crippling debt problems at the club, Grant got his Portsmouth side ticking on the field. However, he could not lift the club off the foot of the table, and as a result, the team were confined to championship football next season.
Nonetheless, both Gold and Sullivan have seen what the former Chelsea boss has to offer, and are hoping that Grant can transform the Hammers fortunes following the departure of Gianfranco Zola in early May. Reported in the Sun newspaper yesterday (3rd June) Gold told of his delight after appointing Grant as the new Hammers boss:
“I have to say that, having met Avram and spent some time with him, we have got our man. He is a perfect fit. We needed experience and stability. He’s a footballing man and, quite frankly, his reputation speaks for itself.”
He finishes of by saying:
“It’s the beginning of a new era at West Ham United.”
David Sullivan has also spoken of his delight of having Avram Grant on board:
“I’m delighted to welcome Avram to West Ham and am confident he will prove a success. We have taken our time over this appointment and are certain we have the right man.”
Avram Grant has proven to be a competent manager within the game. The Israeli took charge of Chelsea in 2007 and lead the club to their first ever Champion’s League final. Sadly he failed to pick up the trophy that night, but it remains his highlight of his managerial career so far.
Grant always likes a good challenge, and it looks as if he has found one in the shape of West Ham United. Is he the type of manager the Hammers need? For many fans (if not all of them) the answer would be yes. He has experience and has shown he is capable of performing miracles in the past (take Portsmouth as an example). As well as that, Grant has established himself as a respected individually within the game and a likeable character with many football fans across the world.
His biggest challenge will be to keep hold of his star players, after they have attracted interest from rival clubs in recent weeks; however, Grant has the man management ability to persuade them into staying in East London. He has swiftly expressed his interest in his former Portsmouth players Kevin Prince-Boateng and out-of-favour midfielder Jamie O’Hara and are on top of the manager’s wish-list this summer. Grant spoke of his appointment on becoming the new manager, he told the Sun newspaper:
“I’m proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It’s an exciting challenge. I’m ready to do my best.”
He adds:
“West Ham is a fantastic club with great fans and a history respected around the world. I’m looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season.”
It great to see how enthusiastic he is in becoming the new boss. Grant understands how important the club is to the fans, and will do everything in his power to get the club moving in the right direction. A great appointment from the co-owners and many will wish Avram Grant the best for next season and years to come as the West Ham boss.
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