Avram Grant secures work permit to take over as West Ham manager

West Ham have confirmed that Avram Grant has had his work permit application approved to allow him to become the club's new manager. The Israeli agreed a four-year contract last week to succeed Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park and was awaiting approval from the Home Office. That has now been secured and he can begin his new role on an official basis. Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold previously hailed the 55-year-old's appointment as the "beginning of a new era". Speaking at the time of Grant signing his contract, Gold told the club's website: "I have to say that having met Avram and spent some time with him, we have got our man. He is a perfect fit. We needed experience and stability. He's a footballing man and quite frankly his reputation speaks for itself."