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Avram Grant has resigned as manager of relegated Portsmouth, the south-coast club have confirmed.
The 55-year old Israeli announced his decision to leave the beaten FA Cup finalists in an open letter to fans on the club's website.
"This was one of the most difficult decisions I've had to take in my football career," said Grant.
Grant, who has been linked with the vacant West Ham job, took over at Fratton Park in November 2009.
"I would imagine he (Grant) will walk into the West Ham job," said BBC football pundit Steve Claridge.
"I would not have thought it was the hardest decision for him.
"I don't think he would have fancied managing in the Championship, I am not sure how much he even knows about the Championship.
"Not many managers walk out of a job without having another one readily available to them, if my money was going anywhere it would be on him going to West Ham," added the former Portsmouth striker.
Grant arrived as Portsmouth's director of football in October 2009 but replaced Paul Hart as manager the following month, with the club bottom of the league with just seven points from 13 games.
But Grant's time in charge was beset by the club's serious financial problems.
606: DEBATE
Just read Avram's letter on Pompey's website, a class move by a class manager.
Wicken1301
Portsmouth went into administration in February and the following month were deducted nine points by the Premier League, which all but condemned them to relegation.
Despite finishing bottom of the Premier League on 19 points, after their deduction, Grant guided the side to the FA Cup final.
Portsmouth lost the Wembley showpiece 1-0 to Grant's former club Chelsea on Saturday, but the Israeli was given a warm ovation by the club's fans.
"After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances I'm taking a different direction," explained Grant who won 10, lost 16 and drew seven of his 33 matches in charge.
"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.
"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."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/8696013.stm
Looks like he's West Ham bound, either that or FC Twente.
The 55-year old Israeli announced his decision to leave the beaten FA Cup finalists in an open letter to fans on the club's website.
"This was one of the most difficult decisions I've had to take in my football career," said Grant.
Grant, who has been linked with the vacant West Ham job, took over at Fratton Park in November 2009.
"I would imagine he (Grant) will walk into the West Ham job," said BBC football pundit Steve Claridge.
"I would not have thought it was the hardest decision for him.
"I don't think he would have fancied managing in the Championship, I am not sure how much he even knows about the Championship.
"Not many managers walk out of a job without having another one readily available to them, if my money was going anywhere it would be on him going to West Ham," added the former Portsmouth striker.
Grant arrived as Portsmouth's director of football in October 2009 but replaced Paul Hart as manager the following month, with the club bottom of the league with just seven points from 13 games.
But Grant's time in charge was beset by the club's serious financial problems.
606: DEBATE
Just read Avram's letter on Pompey's website, a class move by a class manager.
Wicken1301
Portsmouth went into administration in February and the following month were deducted nine points by the Premier League, which all but condemned them to relegation.
Despite finishing bottom of the Premier League on 19 points, after their deduction, Grant guided the side to the FA Cup final.
Portsmouth lost the Wembley showpiece 1-0 to Grant's former club Chelsea on Saturday, but the Israeli was given a warm ovation by the club's fans.
"After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances I'm taking a different direction," explained Grant who won 10, lost 16 and drew seven of his 33 matches in charge.
"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.
"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."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/8696013.stm
Looks like he's West Ham bound, either that or FC Twente.
