Chelsea chief backs Grant

Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon insisted Friday that manager Avram Grant has the club's full backing.

Grant, who took over from Jose Mourinho last September, has come under fire following the League Cup final defeat to Tottenham and their shock FA Cup exit to Barnsley.

And Monday's 1-1 home draw with Wigan saw Grant jeered by fans, who retain a strong affection for his predecessor.

A 1-0 win at Everton on Thursday night kept Chelsea in the title hunt and they face Liverpool in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League semi-final next Tuesday.

Grant has a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge and Kenyon feels the team are progressing under the current boss.

“The club is developing under Avram,” Kenyon, who was speaking in Moscow where Chelsea will play a pre-season tournament, was quoted by the Daily Mirror.

“We are not doing badly on the pitch and aren't going to jump to conclusions because of occasional losses.

“The manager has a long-term contract with the club and we hope he will see it through to the end.

“Grant took over in September and signed a four-year deal. There is no reason to talk about his possible departure.”