Avram Grant is to be appointed as the new manager of Portsmouth, the club have confirmed. The former Chelsea boss will succeed Paul Hart, who was sacked earlier this week.

Grant was the favourite for the position having returned to Pompey as director of football in October.

The 54-year-old will take charge for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United at Fratton Park.

Chief executive officer Peter Storrie said: “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.

“He will take charge of training on Friday alongside first-team coaches Paul Groves and Ian Woan.”

The Israeli was due to receive his work permit for his director of football role this week and the club have revealed he will at first continue to work in this capacity.

The club will then “go through the process of making the technical change that will allow Avram to become manager”.

It adds that this involved “acquiring a new sponsorship number from the Football Association to change his permit status”.

Grant took charge at Chelsea in similar circumstances two years ago and went on to lead the London club to the Champions League final.

He takes over with Pompey bottom of the Premier League having collected just seven points from 13 games.

Hart has turned down the chance to remain at the club in a youth team role, the club have confirmed this evening.

Hart had been considering an offer from the club but in a statement released to Sky Sports News tonight, said: “I would like at this time to thank all of the supporters and players for the backing they have given during my time at Portsmouth Football Club.

“The speed of recent events, though, has been somewhat surprising and I am naturally disappointed not to be able to continue in the role at Portsmouth Football Club.

“Unfortunately I do not believe that having been the manager of Portsmouth Football Club I will be able to return to the youth-team role that has been offered to me by the club and it is with deep regret that my time with Portsmouth Football Club has now come to an end.

“However, I look forward to a return to management in the near future.”