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Avram Grant Considered A Move To MLS
Portsmouth's new Director of Football nearly took his career Stateside
Oct 8, 2009 4:11:46 PM
Avram Grant's decision to join Portsmouth as director of football came after more than a month of talks with Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls in the United States.
The former Chelsea manager was close to taking on a role as a combined head coach and sporting director with the North American side, according to his agent Don Barnett.
The Red Bulls are currently managerless and bottom of the league, and would have looked to the Israeli to help turn the club around.
Barnett said to the New York Times: "Grant would make history in New York based on the demographics of the area.
"With all the Jewish residents and ex-pat Israelis in the area, coupled with his profile at Chelsea, he would have raised the profile of Red Bull to a higher level on and off the field and helped to sell tickets and attract players."
It now appears Portsmouth could have been under legitimate threat of losing out on Grant's services had they not been decisive about their approach.
Barnett added: "He wants the [New York Red Bulls] job, but I guess he couldn't wait on them any longer."
Johnny Esthero, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
The former Chelsea manager was close to taking on a role as a combined head coach and sporting director with the North American side, according to his agent Don Barnett.
The Red Bulls are currently managerless and bottom of the league, and would have looked to the Israeli to help turn the club around.
Barnett said to the New York Times: "Grant would make history in New York based on the demographics of the area.
"With all the Jewish residents and ex-pat Israelis in the area, coupled with his profile at Chelsea, he would have raised the profile of Red Bull to a higher level on and off the field and helped to sell tickets and attract players."
It now appears Portsmouth could have been under legitimate threat of losing out on Grant's services had they not been decisive about their approach.
Barnett added: "He wants the [New York Red Bulls] job, but I guess he couldn't wait on them any longer."
Johnny Esthero, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
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