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Newly appointed West Ham boss Avram Grant is hoping to bring the good times back to Upton Park and is looking forward to the challenge of next season.
The Hammers struggled last season under the leadership of Gianfranco Zola and only managed to secure their place in the Premier League with a couple of games to spare.
Zola was axed by co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan as soon as the season was over and it soon became clear that Grant was the man they wanted.
Slaven Bilic, Sam Allardyce and Ian Holloway had all been linked with the job but Grant was always hot favourite to take the job as soon as his duties with Portsmouth came to an end.
The Israeli worked wonders under very difficult circumstances at Fratton Park and even though they were relegated after being deducted nine points for going into administration, he still managed to guide them to the FA Cup final before losing to Chelsea.
Grant admitted that leaving Pompey was always going to be tough after building up a great relationship with the fans and he will be looking to do that again at Upton Park with the Hammers faithful.
“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 told the club’s official website.
“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 now has the job of making sure the Hammers are nowhere near the drop zone next season and if he gets the backing of the board, he should be able to get the club moving in the right direction.
The former Chelsea boss inherits a squad of talented players that boasts the likes of Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Scott Parker and he will be hoping to keep hold of his star trio before adding to his ranks.
The board have said everyone apart from Scott Parker is up for grabs but Grant will want to keep his key men if he is to get the Hammers pushing for the top 10.
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