It didn’t come to many people’s surprise last night, when news broke of Avram Grant’s decision to step-down as manager of crisis-hit club Portsmouth. The Israeli, who took over the Championship bound side at the end of November 2009, following Paul Hart’s dismissal oversaw a fairytale run to this season’s FA Cup final, which sadly ended in defeat against his former employers, Chelsea last Saturday.
The match at Wembley turned out to be Avram’s final game in charge of Portsmouth, with the club having dropped out of the Premier League, entered administration and docked nine points and record even higher debts than were initially feared. The way he spoke to journalists after the final last week suggested that he was set to go, but not without a heavy heart. This was further proven by his emotional letter to the beloved South Coast fans, posted on Portsmouth’s website last night.
GRANT’S LETTER TO THE PORTSMOUTH FANS
This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to take in my football career.
After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances I’m taking a different direction.
It’s been both a difficult and complex year for us at the club, but at the same time, it’s been a wonderful and uplifting professional and personal experience.
I have been inundated with letters and emails from fans. Many have brought tears to my eyes and take it from me; it takes a lot to do that.
I will never forget you; the loyal fans of Pompey who, without a doubt, helped me protect the team under such complex circumstances. There are very few teams in the world that have fans as passionate and devoted as you are.
Seeing you all so proud with your heads held up high is the best reward I can receive.
It has been a great experience to be part of one of the most wonderful occurrences that has happened in the history of British football and also shows that even in the most desperate times, loyalty, devotion, professionalism and passion can be demonstrated.
I wish you all the possible success which you genuinely deserve.
Portsmouth has given me a feeling of home away from home. I might be leaving Portsmouth physically, but you cannot take Portsmouth away from me and my heart.
I have informed Andrew the administrator that if and when the need arises, I will be at his disposal to assist in any way I possibly can.
At this point I would like to mention the good job the administrator is doing, under very difficult circumstances after he received the club from Mr. Chainrai and Mr. Levy which they had saved from liquidation. Thank you for that.
I can never fully repay the faith and backing I got from the fans, players and staff who gave a hundred per cent. I truly thank you all for granting me the opportunity and the privilege to be part of your special city and unique club.
Grant, who took Chelsea to within one spot kick of winning the 2008 UEFA Champions League has had successful spells in Israel and only narrowly missed out on getting the national team into the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany, despite finishing unbeaten in a group containing Switzerland and France. He returned to Portsmouth as director to football at the beginning of last season, stepping up after Hart was sacked following a 1-0 loss at Stoke City on November 22nd 2009. Grant won ten games in charge, the most memorable success being a 3-2 comeback result against Hull City in March, a stunning 2-0 success over shambolic Liverpool before Christmas and in that amazing FA Cup run, the dramatic and well-deserved semi-final glory at Wembley against Tottenham.
It remains unclear who will take over at Pompey, though England goalkeeper David James has expressed an interest in taking over the reins. For Grant, his next destination appears to be the vacant manager’s seat at West Ham. The Hammers sacked Gianfranco Zola ten days ago after a dismal season that saw them finish 17th in the Premiership. It would make sense for Avram to go there, as he would team up again with his former assistant at Chelsea, Steve Clarke.
He may have gone for pastures new in the Premiership, but his reputation has been enhanced even further, and he has also won a soft spot in the hearts of many neutral observers. Avram Grant is a man with two hearts, and for whatever success he may achieve in the future, whether that is at West Ham or somewhere else, he will always carry an undying love for Portsmouth FC. I wish him all the best in his soon-to-be appointed new role.
No comments:
Post a Comment