Portsmouth have confirmed today that Avram Grant will be their new manager.

The former Chelsea manager returned to Fratton Park in October, for a second spell as Director of Football, but he unable to start the role as he awaited a work permit.

Following the sacking of Paul Hart, Grant, 54 will be upgraded to manager. He will be in charge for Saturday match against defending Premier League champions Manchester United at Fratton Park, although it will be in the capacity of Football Director until the club goes through the process of making a technical change that will enable to become manager.

United were Grant’s last opponents when he was at Chelsea. They denied him the Champions League in a penalty shootout when England captain John Terry missed a kick that would have won it for the Blues.

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

“He knows the club, the players and the set-up at Fratton Park, so it was the logical move to make him the next manager, once the board had decided to relieve Park Hart of his role.

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

On Wednesday, Grant received the backing from former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, who is now in charge at Spurs. Grant worked with Redknapp when he was originally appointed Director of Football before moving to Chelsea..

Redknapp gave him a glowing endorsement. “Avram’s there and he worked with me there. He’s managed Chelsea,” Redknapp said. “It’s a good opportunity for him to get back into management. He would be my choice to take it.”

Portsmouth director Mark Jacob was also keen on the Israeli. “We believe we have the ideal man to remedy the situation,” he said.