Grant set to take over at Chelsea

The Israeli, who was the director of football, will now take charge with Steve Clarke as his assistant.

Grant is expected to be named at Stamford Bridge later today, BBC Sport's Garry Richardson has revealed.

The 51-year-old is a close friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and his summer arrival at the club came after opposition from Mourinho.

Once appointed, Mourinho told Grant not to interfere with team affairs but the Israeli held a strong position with a post on the board.

Grant previously held the position of technical director at Portsmouth before going to Chelsea.

And he guided Israel to the brink of World Cup qualification in 2006, having also coached Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.

Former Chelsea player and BBC pundit Gavin Peacock said the appointment was a surprise and Grant would need to work hard to maintain team morale.

"If you're bringing in someone like (Russia manager) Guus Hiddink, then you're bringing in someone of great repute, as for Grant, I don't know.

"I think the heart of the team will be affected by (Mourinho's departure). It will be very difficult to get that team spirit that Mourinho managed to manufacture very quickly at Chelsea."

Avi Cohen, the chairman of the Israeli Football Association and friend of Grant said that the reaction in Israel was one of shock also.

"Avram Grant is very successful in Israel. He won the championship with several teams and he knows football," he said.

"Even so it is a shock that he was chosen. (Previously) he said that he had a very good position at Chelsea. With Abramovich, he is a very good friend and Abramovich believed in him.

"I'm not sure that he won't be successful more than anyone else. If he has the ability he can be successful."