Avram Grant Resigns as Portsmouth Manager

Portsmouth FC's website has revealed that manager Avram Grant has resigned with immediate effect.

The Israeli guided the troubled club to their second FA Cup Final in four years, losing 1-0 against Chelsea just last week despite outplaying the Premier League champions for parts of the game.

Portsmouth's demise in the Premier League has been tough for the fans, players, and support staff, as a series of owners came in and failed to save the club from ruin.

After entering administration earlier in the season and picking up a nine-point deduction, their fate was all but sealed.

The club will battle on in the Championship in 2010-2011, but with a wage cap of just £10,000 per week per player, an agreement as part of their CVA, and without the man who helped Pompey fans believe all was not lost.

Despite their poor showing in the league, Grant somehow inspired Pompey in the FA Cup. It's an old cliché, but there really is something magical about the competition. It's just a shame he couldn't have repeated Harry Redknapp's success and given Pompey something really special to go out with.

In a personal letter to the fans, Grant says:

"This was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to take in my football career.

"After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances I’m taking a different direction.

"It’s been both a difficult and complex year for us at the club, but at the same time, it’s been a wonderful and uplifting professional and personal experience.  

"I have been inundated with letters and emails from fans. Many have brought tears to my eyes and take it from me; it takes a lot to do that.

"I will never forget you, the loyal fans of Pompey who, without a doubt, helped me protect the team under such complex circumstances. There are very few teams in the world that have fans as passionate and devoted as you are.

"Seeing you all so proud with your heads held up high is the best reward I can receive.

"It has been a great experience to be part of one of the most wonderful occurrences that has happened in the history of British football and also shows that even in the most desperate times, loyalty, devotion, professionalism and passion can be demonstrated.

"I wish you all the possible success which you genuinely deserve.

"Portsmouth has given me a feeling of home away from home. I might be leaving Portsmouth physically, but you cannot take Portsmouth away from me and my heart.

"I have informed Andrew the administrator that if and when the need arises, I will be at his disposal to assist in any way I possibly can.

"At this point I would like to mention the good job the administrator is doing, under very difficult circumstances after he received the club from Mr. Chainrai and Mr. Levy which they had saved from liquidation. Thank you for that.

"I can never fully repay the faith and backing I got from the fans, players and staff who gave a hundred per cent. I truly thank you all for granting me the opportunity and the privilege to be part of your special city and unique club."

Grant's words will only go so far to comforting disappointed Pompey fans, but it's clear that he has developed a love for the club and city of Portsmouth, and one day he might come back.

While Pompey face an uphill battle to get their finances under control and overcome disadvantages in the Championship, Grant will be looking to move on to the next chapter of his career.

An experienced campaigner, it's no surprise he's already being tipped for the vacant West Ham job. West Ham are not without their troubles but have great people behind the scenes, and with the right investment on and off the pitch, a manager like Grant can move them on.

If Grant doesn't go to West Ham, he could well replace a Premier League manager who does go to Upton Park or maybe leave English football altogether.

But that seems unlikely. Why would he leave England?