WEST Ham have appoined Avram Grant as their new manager on a four-year deal.

Grant left Portsmouth at the end of last season after taking them to the FA Cup final and has always been favourite for the role after the Hammers sacked Gianfranco Zola after a disappointing Premier League campaign.

“I’m proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m ready to do my best,” Grant told the club’s official website, www.whufc.com.

“West Ham is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world. I’m already looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season.”