Grant returns to Portsmouth as director of football

Beleaguered Premier League club Portsmouth on Wednesday re-appointed Avram Grant as director of football but insisted the former Chelsea and Israel boss was not a threat to the position of manager Paul Hart.

Grant has signed a two-year deal with the club following this week’s takeover of the club by Saudi businessman Ali Al-Faraj. Grant filled the same role when Harry Redknapp was manager at Portsmouth, before leaving for Chelsea.

Hart has endured a nightmare start to the season with the south coast club, losing the first seven games of the season before finally managing a 1-0 win over Wolves last time out.

But Peter Storrie, the club’s chief executive, insisted Hart’s job was safe and that he would retain control of team affairs.

“People can construe it how they like – the fact is he (Grant) has been brought in as a director of football and that has been made abundantly clear,” Storrie said.

“He will work with Paul and do exactly the same as what he did with Harry. He will be involved in the coaching.

“Paul selects the team but he is missing an experienced man alongside him at the moment.”

Portsmouth have been without an assistant manager since Brian Kidd’s departure in the close season and no longer intend to fill the position..

Storrie added: “Effectively, we will have two senior people at the helm, which is only good for the club.

“Avram will be on the technical side and will work closely with Paul in all aspects.

“As far as (signing) players in the future is concerned, it will be all of us (making the decisions), including our new chief scout Ray Clarke, myself, Avram and Paul.”