Read more about Portsmouth.
Pompey eye new boss 'as soon as possible' - Jacob
Portsmouth, 08:58, November 25, 2009 ,
Executive director Mark Jacob says Portsmouth want a quick managerial appointment and scotched claims Avram Grant ruled himself out.
Pompey are on the lookout for a new boss after Paul Hart was sacked on Tuesday evening by the Fratton Park outfit following a poor start to the Premier League campaign. And, despite reports claiming former Chelsea boss and current director of football, Grant, has refused the opportunity to make the step up into the hot seat, Jacob says that is not the case.
He told The News: "I'm not sure where the news that Avram Grant has been ruled out has come from.
"It certainly hasn't come from me. We are not ruling anyone out or anyone in at this stage. We also expect Avram to receive his work permit by tomorrow.
"Obviously we want to appoint a new manager as soon as possible, but it is not a decision we are interested in rushing.
"It's all about planning for the long term.
"We are not looking to appoint somebody only to have to review it again soon.
"It may well happen after the weekend, we'll have to see.
"We want to give ourselves every opportunity and chance to survive this season - and that means appointing the right manager.
A long-term goal is there and there are plans in place whereby we want to achieve things not just three months down the line but also three years.
"The R word does not exist in my vocabulary, it's not an option."
In addition to Grant being a possible successor to Hart, former Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson is another favourite to take over, while ex-Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, Alan Curbishley, Gary McAllister, Slaven Bilic and Steve Coppell have been linked.