Hammers finally get their man in Grant

West Ham have finally announced that Avram Grant has been appointed as their new manager on a four-year deal.

Grant succeeds Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked after the Hammers survived a season spent flirting with relegation from the Premier League.

The 55-year-old's arrival is subject to being granted a work permit and he is expected to be officially unveiled later this month.

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"I'm proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It's an exciting challenge and I'm ready to do my best," Grant said. "West Ham is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world.

"I'm already looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season."

Grant was sacked by Chelsea shortly after steering them into the Champions League final, which they lost on penalties, two years ago.

He returned to the Premier League with Portsmouth last October, first as director of football and then as manager following the removal of Paul Hart and led the struggling club to the FA Cup final amid horrendous financial constraints.

Co-chairman David Sullivan said: "I have to say that, having met Avram and spent time with him, we have got our man."