AVRAM GRANT

By dixon9
May 24 2008

Could Avram Grant exit Stamford Bridge this summer? If it happens, it will happen very soon – IF it happens. Grant at least very recently stated that he definitely believes he will remain at the helm of Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Football Club Chairman, Bruce Buck provided further insight into the continuance of the Israeli, treading a fine line and leaving the situation still open to conjecture.

“I really can only say what Avram said on the plane yesterday (Thursday) to a bunch of journalists - which is there is no news.” 

“We have had a great season. In the four competitions we were in, we were runners-up in three of them.  But we have very high expectations at Chelsea Football Club and a couple of second place finishes is just not good enough us - so although we never would have thought in September when José Mourinho left that we would be able to make it into a Champions League Final - as we did, and that is fantastic - Chelsea is here to win trophies so although it was an excellent season, we are still disappointed.”

Grant remains bullish to the media:

"I'm very proud of many things.  In the first press conference, I said I wanted to improve our game, to be interesting and in the final of the Champions League. I think everybody thought I was completely mad or crazy but we've done it. It's good for a first year. Sir Alex Ferguson has only been in the [Champions League] final on two occasions so I have a future.”

“People thought Chelsea were on the way down but the players have shown they can develop and play better football. I cannot talk about the future now. I've spoken with Peter [Kenyon, the chief executive] and others, and we're just thinking about the game."

However, Ian McGarry from the “The Sun”, who is surprisingly cited by many as having an inside track on Chelsea Football Club (possibly through Lampard), wrote an article in which Grant has already said his goodbyes to the squad, telling them that it "had been a true privilege" working with them.

McGarry also writes that Grant will be offered a £5.2million pay-off.

True, Grant has done better than expected and has almost done a good job of not courting the controversial headlines (not so sure that’s so important with today’s media and their anti-Chelsea agenda which seems to be automatic anyway) but the club as a whole hasn’t been united since his appointment. 

Mourinho has been a very very tough act to follow and many Chelsea fans feel that Grant is out of his depth, is largely being carried by Clarke and Ten Cate, and are very suspicious about the Israeli’s role in Mourinho´s departure. 

Grant may prove me wrong – he may yet succeed in changing the style of the team (there are definite signs of it and he could have a summer to bring in his signings) AND bring in silverware, but my own opinion would be along the lines of what another Chelsea fan said recently: 

“No matter what he may or may not win. His inability to do anything progressive with the squad in terms or either results, style, bringing through kids, introducing pace into the side....anything is clear."

”It has nothing to do with Jose, he's gone. It is about the best we can get. I was at Man City, it was great. Barnsley wasn't. Neither was Everton at home or Villa or Spurs. We're holding on with the best squad in England. We can do better.”

Grant to Go? Buck/McGarry Comments Stir Pot

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 24/05/2008 12:15

50 Years Over 100 Years
24/05/2008 12:15

Grant to Go? Buck/McGarry Comments Stir Pot

Reply Quote Report

Since 66
25/05/2008 07:48

The sentence in that article that worries me is, referring to Mourinho and Mr A making up,

"But it is more realistic the ex-Porto chief will go back to Chelsea after the NEXT manager has served his term."

So does that mean we are going to have a managers merry-go round until Mourinho returns?

Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

Reply Quote Report

dixon9
25/05/2008 15:34

That is a very good point.

The next manager must be appointed with a long term view - possibly someone youngish.

I honestly suspect that Roman wants Mourinho back, that Mourinho has told him he wants a couple of years in Italy before back to Chelsea for life and that we are pullingt out all the stops to sway him by signing the players Mourinho wants.

If it doesn´t work then we must get behind the next manager and hope that he is the right one - I´d love it to be Mourinho - but if not - then we plough ahead on our own.




.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net