Chelsea have appointed Avram Grant to replace Jose Mourinho as the new manager at Stamford Bridge.
The Israeli, who previously held the role of the club’s director of football, will take charge alongside Steve Clarke.
“The club is delighted in Avram we have an experienced man who can come in at a difficult time,” said a club statement.
“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.”
Mourinho was seen driving away from the Chelsea training ground shortly before the statement confirmed his successors.
Grant, 52, is a close friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and his arrival at the club in the summer was opposed by Mourinho.
The former Porto boss warned Grant not to interfere with team affairs but the Israeli’s position was strengthened with a seat on the board – a move which was widely regarded as an attempt to undermine Mourinho.
Grant previously held the position of technical director at Portsmouth before moving to Chelsea.
He guided Israel to the brink of World Cup qualification in 2006, having also coached Israeli sides Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.
