AVRAM GRANT is in line to succeed Tony Adams as Portsmouth’s manager, with Alan Curbishley, the other prominent candidate, preoccupied with resolving his legal dispute with West Ham United.
The Portsmouth board is eager to make a swift appointment, having sacked Tony Adams on Sunday night after a dismal run of results, and it has sought talks with Grant, the former Chelsea manager.
Grant previously served Portsmouth as director of football, joining them in 2006 before he moved on to hold a similar post at Chelsea in July 2007. Two months later, after the departure of Jose Mourinho, Grant was promoted to manager.
He retains close links to the Portsmouth owner Alexandre Gaydamak, but it is understood influential voices within the club’s dressingroom are unimpressed at the prospect of Grant taking over.
The Israeli ran Manchester United all the way last season in both the Premier League and Champions League – only John Terry’s missed penalty prevented him from a sensational triumph in Europe – yet, curiously, he is perceived in some quarters as damaged goods.
Curbishley quit his post as West Ham’s manager at the beginning of the season, after he felt that key players had been sold against his wishes. He claims he had a signed agreement which guaranteed him total control over transfers and the club acted outside of that to render his position untenable.
Adams has said he intends to return to management despite his swift sacking by Portsmouth and expressed surprise at being dismissed after just 16 Premier League matches in the job.
“I am a little bit surprised but results haven’t been good,” he said.
“I haven’t had a lot of time and I certainly haven’t had the financial backing. We’ve had a few injuries as well and that’s tough to take.”
ARSENALstriker Emmanuel Adebayor has been ruled out of action for three weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Tottenham.
The 24-year-old was stretchered off after pulling up in the 35th minute of the north London derby.
Adebayor will now miss league games against Sunderland and Fulham, the FA Cup replay with Cardiff and the Champions League game with Roma.
MANCHESTER CITYwinger Shaun Wright-Phillips has been suspended for three league games after being found guilty of violent conduct by the English FA, the club have announced.
The 27-year-old was charged after an incident that saw Stoke’s Rory Delap sent off during City’s 1-0 defeat on January 31st.
JOE KINNEAR is hoping to be allowed home today after spending a third night in hospital. The Newcastle United manager, who was admitted on Saturday after club doctors diagnosed high blood pressure, spent yesterday undergoing tests.
Kinnear, who suffered a heart attack 10 years ago, said yesterday: “I’m hoping to be allowed home tomorrow. I hope to be back for the home match against Everton a week on Sunday.”
- Guardian Service
