Premier League basement boys Portsmouth have confirmed former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has taken up the managerial reigns at Fratton Park following Paul Hart's dismissal on Tuesday.

The Israeli was the favourite for the position having returned to the South Coast outfit as director of football last month and on Thursday morning Pompey have confirmed that he had accepted the vacant manager role.

A statement on the club’s official website said: "Portsmouth Football Club can confirm that Avram Grant is to become manager.

"He will take charge of the team for the home game against Manchester United at Fratton Park on Saturday in his capacity as director of football, having been granted his work permit.

"The club will then go through the process of making the technical change that will allow Avram to become manager. This involves acquiring a new sponsorship number from the Football Association to change his permit status."

Pompey's chief executive Peter Storrie was delighted to have secured Grant at the helm and he believes he has the necessary experience and characteristics to pull the club out of the relegation mire this season.

"Avram is a very experienced and respected manager who has managed at the highest level. The board believes he is the man to help steer the club out of the relegation zone.

"He knows the club, the players and the set-up at Fratton Park, so it was the logical move to make him the next manager, once the board had decided to relieve Paul Hart of the role."

However, despite Storrie’s belief, the 54-year-old faces an incredulous task of resurrecting the club's fortunes as they currently sit rock bottom of the table with seven points from 12 games, and are four points away from safety!

On behalf of Extrafootie, Good Luck Avram, we have a feeling you may just need it!