Grant placed in charge of Blues

[SOCCER] LONDON - Chelsea announced Thursday that Avram Grant will oversee their Premiership match away to Manchester United Sunday, in the wake of the departure of Jose Mourinho.

 Mourinho's exit was confirmed in the early hours of Thursday morning, bringing to an end months of speculation.

 Grant's appointment as director of football in the summer was known to have been unpopular with Mourinho, who saw his own authority being undermined.

 Grant, a former Israel national coach, will be assisted by Mourinho's former assistant, Steve Clarke.

 A statement on the club's website said: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Avram Grant and Steve Clarke are in charge of the first team at Stamford Bridge.

 "The club is delighted that in Avram we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives.

 "In Steve we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward.

 "Avram and Steve have our full confidence and support."

DPA