( CNN ) -- Israeli coach Avram Grant has been appointed manager of English Premier League club West Ham United . Grant left cash-strapped Portsmouth last month after leading them to the FA Cup final , where they lost to his former club Chelsea , but he could not prevent them from slipping out of the Premier League . He replaces Italian coach Gianfranco Zola , who was sacked by West Ham 's owners David Gold and David Sullivan in May , after they narrowly avoided relegation . A statement on West Ham 's official Web site read : `` West Ham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Avram Grant as manager on a four-year contract , subject to being granted a work permit . '' Grant , who will be officially unveiled later this month , said : `` I am proud and honored to be the manager of West Ham . It will be an exciting challenge and I am ready to do my best . `` This is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world . I am already looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season . '' Grant was widely praised for his stewardship at crisis-hit Portsmouth , who sank into administration with debts of over $ 170 million debt . They were deducted nine points as a result , making survival in the Premier League all but impossible . Still , Grant led them to Wembley in the FA Cup . Co-owner David Sullivan said : `` I am delighted to welcome Avram to West Ham and am confident he will prove a success . We have taken our time over this appointment and are certain we have got the right man . `` We are all looking forward to next season with new players coming in and Avram 's arrival is just the latest reason for real optimism . ''
Peter Grant in the new manager of West Ham United . Grant left relegated Portsmouth in May . Israeli coach led Liverpool to the 2008 European Champions League final .