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Director of football and the no.2?

This is from The Sun, so who knows how much truth there is to it, but it is being 'reported' that Avram Grant will be alongside Paul Hart in the Pompey dugout from now on, so is he doubling up as a kind of no.2 as well as the director of football?

Apparently after a 'four-hour meeting on Wednesday night' Hart agreed to 'share touchline duties with his new director of football during' with Grant quoted as saying: 'we will decide everything together. I will work with him fully.

'I know what the job is that we must do. I am coming to a team in a bad situation.

'All our efforts must be to save the team from relegation - then we will decide the next step forward.'

For me, it is talk and actions like this that seem as though it is only a matter of time before a change is made - that said so long as the pair can work together and draw from the strengths each has this can only be a good thing for us, right?

You have to think so really to be honest.

Although more than once Grant, and others at the club, have assured Hart that his job is not under threat - something that he did again here, although I suspect those quotes on that topic are just reused ones as they seemed familiar.

The pair have decades of experience in the game so lets just hope they can pool this together for our benefit!

One fire that does need putting out is one between Grant and Tal Ben-Haim, who do not have 'the best relationship' it is fair to say.

Vital Bolton reminded us of the 'fallout' they had during their time together at Chelski, although Grant is keen to move on from this: 'we have already spoken about the bad feelings at Chelsea.

'These are things that happen in football and it didn't affect our relationship outside.'

He will officially start his work with Pompey on Monday as the build-up to the game against Spurs starts - and this is an important game, and not because of the returning former manager and players, this is a game that we do, even though it will be hard, have a chance to get something from to build on the win at Wolves. At home we 'should' be capable of standing toe-to-toe with anyone!

Lets just hope that Hart and Grant can gel as well as the players are starting to, but also gel quickly...

PLAY UP POMPEY!


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Writer: pompeyrug Mail feedback, articles or suggestions

Date:Saturday October 10 2009

Time: 9:49AM

Your Comments

I think people are reading too much into the situation between Grant and Hart. Yes it would make sense for Grant to replace Hart if Hart was no longer the manager for any reason. But that doesn't mean that it's gonna happen anytime soon, or that Grant is hovering ready to pounce. I'm sure Grant was on the bench with Harry, although often sat behind him. As Grant's appointment is being cited as a reason for us not having a no. 2, surely he would be on the bench - he's not much use sat in the Directors Box. PUP.
NorfolknBlue
Quite honestly I don't care where Grant sits as long as Pompey win. My feelings however will be with PH cos if Pompey continue their winning streak Grant will take some of the kudos away from Hart.
PFCblue
I have continually stated that I thought would go under a new owner; particularly if the club is at risk. I feel sorry for Hart but one swallow doesn't mean summer etc etc and it is natural that Hart whine WE HAVE ALL CRITICISED ( some seem to have developed short memories) for decision making has some back up. If he starts winning regularly he will retain authority, if not like any good business a succession plan is in place.
russellm
Paul and Avram's Blue & White Army! Paul and Avram's Blue & White Army! Paul and Avram's Blue & White Army! Paul and Avram's Blue & White Army! Paul and Avram's Blue & White Army! Paul and Avram's Blue & White Army! Quite a ring to it eh!?
putneypfc
They are good solid football people and they will work together in the way that suits them best. Hart has done well but will benefit from someone telling him where he is going wrong. Avram has taken a team to the European Cup Final so should know his stuff and be respected.
eastneydave
Grant has a lot of experience and a lot to offer, so if he and Paul Hart can work together well it can only benefit us. If it works well, then Hart will keep his job. There is no predifined role for a DOF, the club are free to make it up the best way it suits them. Although I can only see Grant eventuallly taking over as manager in the long term. He should never have been sacked at Chelsea, it was a travesty, and he has a lot to offer Pompey.
tracyc
Question: is a DoF above, below, or equal to a Manager in a clubs pecking order? If he's above it would mean there must be a lot of diplomacy to take place on the bench, eg. if AG wants a tactical change but PH sees it another way who's going to have the final say?
PFCblue
the press like to spin everything about Pompey in a NEGATIVE tone. I saw Darren whatsist from the mirror on SSN saying who are the players going to believe AV or PH..etc etc..his argument is floored as works on the assumption that the two gaffers are in disagreement....there are loads of team management around...J.Jordan was not adversed to balling instructions with harry was he...sorry sir Harry with whom nothing negative can be said
plymouth graham
blue i think the tactical desicions in a game falls squarely on the head of the manager with AG literally playing the assisant role but with transfers ect then i think they will have equal 'power' and thats when he plays the DOF role.... well thats what i persume anyway lol. and russellm we may have all critised Hart at some point or another but theres no need to put him down at every opportunity, he's done well and i believe will continue to do so, but either way if grant took over he wouldn't change anything if you look at his time with chelsea he literally used Mourinho's squad and his tactics without changing anything other than the addition of Anelka because drogba was injured (i think), so theres no way i'd take AG in charge over PH
pompeym@
 

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