Avram Grant's name on Chelsea short-list to replace Roberto Di Matteo is still a source of bafflement He knows Abramovich, he knows some of the players and would probably accept that he was simply keeping the seat warm for another man. In that sense, and with realistic ambitions for himself, he would bring a certain calm to Stamford Bridge. Although there was little sense that the players particularly rated Grant's managerial skills, they did seem to like him and be happy to play for him. Frank Lamaprd, for example, will always appreciate the basic kindness and understanding that Grant displayed when his mother died during the 2007-8 season. "It was a very difficult time in my life, not just on the field but off it and he was a very good man - I'll never forget that," said Lampard. What Grant does not offer, however, is any significant authority, charisma or presence. The players would immediately look at him and wonder when he would be leaving. It is difficult, then, to understand how he would galvanise or inspire Chelsea and so be a better option, even in the short-term, than Di Matteo. Yet by replacing Jose Mourinho with Grant four years ago, when his own previous experience was working in Israel, Abramovich has consistently demonstrated that he does not apply conventional logic to his decisions. And, as he awaits the chance to appoint Pep Guardiola, he might just feel rather more comfortable with Grant than any of the more obvious options.