Avram Grant is the new manager of West Ham United - subject to the formalities of a work permit.
Grant was wanted by half a dozen clubs in Europe, but has chosen West Ham and an instant return to the Premier League after relegation with FA Cup finalists Portsmouth.
Grant quickly rose to take the position despite candidates such as Mark Hughes, Slaven Bilic and Steve McClaren being in the frame.
McClaren opted to switch from Dutch to German football with Wolfsburg, while Hughes believed he would attract a much bigger job and priced himself out of the market. Bilic considered a return to Upton Park where he was a popular player but wanted a £40 million transfer budget - out of proportion with the Hammers' financial predicament.
David Sullivan and David Gold were attracted to Grant by his heroics at Fratton Park with penniless Pompey. West Ham, too, are working on a tight financial restraints, and Sullivan revealed recently that the club were days away from administration before they took over with a £50 million, 50% takeover at the turn of the year.
This week Sullivan and Gold bought a further stake for £8 million, £4 million going into the club to meet pressing liabilities and for down payments on new signings. Grant's first task is to sort through a list of nearly 30 players who are available for transfer and who would welcome a move to Upton Park.
