Storrie hails Grant's credentials

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie feels the club have made a wise move in appointing Avram Grant as their new manager.

The Israeli, who steps into the void created by Paul Hart's dismissal, will take charge for the first time during Saturday's home date with Manchester United.

He will, technically, still be the club's director of football, as he is still waiting for a work permit issue to be ironed out, but he will be officially installed as Pompey's new boss once the relevant paperwork is processed.

Grant returned to Fratton Park for a second spell at the start of October, with the South Coast outfit keen to benefit from his considerable experience.

There were suggestions at the time that he was being groomed to take over from the under-fire Hart, despite the club's denials.

He was, however, immediately installed as favourite to take charge once the managerial position became free and Storrie insists that, once the decision to part with Hart was taken, there was only one man for the job.

Headed list
He said: "You look at the people who are currently out of work and available and, in our opinion, Avram was at the head of that list by a million miles. He was the obvious choice.

"We looked at all the names and once Avram was on there, someone who has managed a national side and a team like Chelsea, no-one else really came into the equation."

Storrie has also praised Hart for the manner in which he went about his work at Fratton Park, under incredibly difficult circumstances.

"Paul did a fantastic job for this club in very difficult circumstances and I feel sorry for him," he added.

"I think there were a lot of managers who would have walked out and said 'I'm not going to put up with this', but Paul didn't. He kept his dignity and was strong through it all.


Unlucky
"Unfortunately this is a results industry and the view of the owner and the board was that we needed to do something to give ourselves a good chance of staying up.

"He has been unlucky, but he leaves here with great dignity and respect. No-one is more disappointed than me that Paul didn't stay to help the development of the 18-21s next season."

Storrie has also revealed that, after a summer of financial upheaval at Fratton Park, he expects the transfer embargo currently hanging over the club to be lifted before the January transfer window opens for business.

"My understanding is that everything has been sorted out and that should be lifted in time for the window," he said.

"Once we get everything sorted over the next week or so myself and Avram will speak with the board about the finances available in January.

"My understanding is that money will be available and Avram will look now where he thinks the side needs strengthening. I'm sure he has got some names in mind."