Pompey have announced Avram Grant is their new manager.

The former Chelsea boss takes up the reins following Paul Hart's sacking on Tuesday.

He will take charge of the team for the home game against Manchester United at Fratton Park on Saturday in his capacity as director of football, having been granted his work permit.

The club will then go through the process of making the technical change that will allow Avram to become manager.

This involves acquiring a new sponsorship number from the Football Association to change his permit status.

Pompey 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 knows the club, the players and the set-up at Fratton Park, so it was the logical move to make him the next manager, once the board had decided to relieve Paul Hart of the role.

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

Grant spent the 2006/7 season as Pompey’s technical director before joining Chelsea as director of football.

He became manager at Stamford Bridge and steered Chelsea to the Champions League final.

The 54-year-old was appointed Pompey’s director of football in October subject to a work permit.