Grant departs Partizan Belgrade

Avram Grant has left Partizan Belgrade a mere five months after being appointed as coach.

The Israeli boss led the Serbian giants to a fifth consecutive domestic title, but he came under heavy criticism from many fans for losing all three derby games against arch-rivals Red Star Belgrade.

He also failed to secure the title at an earlier stage in the season despite benefitting from a 10-point cushion atop the rankings back in January when he took over from Aleksandar Stanojevic.

In a press conference held at the Partizan training ground on Friday, Grant claimed he was leaving the club for ‘personal reasons’.

“My plan was to stay longer, but in life some unplanned things always occur. I will always be there to assist Partizan,” Grant said before confirming he would attend the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena this weekend where his former Chelsea players face Bayern Munich.

The Partizan board was quick to appoint former Kaizer Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic as his replacement, while Grant took his players to a farewell dinner.

Recent speculation of Grant taking over at Bolton were quelled by the club’s relegation from the Premier League, leaving his future destination unknown.