Beleaguered NorthEast United appoint Avram Grant as Technical Advisor

The former Chelsea boss is a long-time friend of Highlanders owner John Abraham.

Former Chelsea, West Ham United and Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has been appointed as the Technical Advisor of Indian Super League (ISL) outfit NorthEast United. The news comes close on the heels of reports that the Highlanders have sacked their Portuguese head coach Joao Carlos Pires de Deus.

The club confirmed the appointment on social media earlier today.

Announcement: our owner @TheJohnAbraham long time friend Avram Grant has agreed to help the #HighlandersThe former @ChelseaFC & @WestHamUtd boss who was last in charge of Ghana National team will be associated with #NEUFC as an Advisor Lets Rally around & welcome Avram Grant pic.twitter.com/M9ANhPsZdZ

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) January 4, 2018

As things stand, the club is languishing in 9th position with only four points from seven games. The passionate fans of the club have endured a difficult time in the stands as the team is yet to register a home win this season. As a matter of fact, they are yet to score a goal at home this season.

Grant, who is a long-time friend of the Highlanders' owner John Abraham, has been known for promoting young talents during his early coaching stints in Israel. He is one of the most successful coaches from his native country with extensive experience of managing many top clubs across Europe.

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Grant was assigned managerial duties at Chelsea when Jose Mourinho left the club in 2007, becoming the first Israeli to manage an English club. He has also served as the manager of Portsmouth, West Ham United, the Israel national team and more recently, the Ghana national team.

The Israeli tactician will have his task cut out right from day one with the Highlanders as he takes responsibilities with a view to rescuing the club who are enduring another forgettable season. The club's fans and wellwishers will definitely hope for a change of fortunes with his appointment.

Grant is already at the team base in Guwahati and while it is certain that he will be involved in first-team affairs it is not yet clear whether he will assume the duties of the manager on the touchline. NorthEast play high-flying FC Goa at home on Saturday.