Avram Grant began work as Portsmouth boss on Friday knowing he has the backing of the supporters. The former Chelsea manager replaces Paul Hart, who was sacked on Tuesday with the club rooted to the foot of the Premier League with only seven points from 13 games.

Grant's first match is against a familiar foe in Manchester United at Fratton Park on Saturday.

Nigel Tressider, chairman of the official Portsmouth supporters club, welcomed the appointment.

He told Sky Sports News: "It is good for the club. He is very experienced and has the ability. He also has good contacts and knows what he is doing.

"Hopefully the new owners will give him the money for players he needs to strengthen the squad and keep us in the Premier League." Portsmouth have no doubts Grant can rally the players.

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