Grant Unsure Over Pompey Job

Avram Grant’s concerns over the “long-term stability” of Portsmouth have caused the club to widen their search for a successor to Tony Adams, who was sacked as manager earlier this week, according to a source closely involved.

“Grant is certainly interested and is proud to be considered,” the individual said, “but is also aware the club’s for sale, so he’s a little concerned about taking over and then a new owner coming in if Sacha Gaydamak later sells Portsmouth.”

The Israeli is understood to remain Gaydamak’s first choice, despite some reports last night which stated Portsmouth had made an approach to Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Mexico head coach.

When contacted by the Guardian, Athole Still, the former England manager’s agent, offered no comment. But with the Swede preparing for Mexico’s World Cup qualifier today against the United States in Columbus, Ohio, it was unlikely that Portsmouth would make an approach beforehand. Eriksson also had his phones switched off yesterday.

Peter Storrie, the Portsmouth chief executive, is thought to have widened the search beyond Grant because of the need to bring in a manager sooner rather than later to try to move the club away from the relegation zone – the team are only one point above the bottom three.

Since the departure of Harry Redknapp to Tottenham Hotspur, the influence of Storrie, who was instrumental in the appointment of Adams, has grown at Fratton Park. Storrie could not be reached last night, though the club have stated they are making no comment until an appointment is made.

Grant, meanwhile, is expected to make a decision in the next few days. “Avram Grant has not said yes yet. But he has also not said no,” the source added.

Alan Curbishley has been mentioned in connection with the post, too, though if he were to take it there would be implications for his constructive-dismissal case against West Ham.

Grant, a former technical director at Fratton Park, has not had a job since he was sacked as Chelsea manager at the end of last season.

Tags: Grant, Over, Pompey, Unsure