Chelsea appoint Israel's Grant as director of football

LONDON, July 8 (Reuters) Chelsea have appointed former Israel national coach Avraham Grant as director of football, the club said today.

Grant, who also formerly coached Israeli clubs Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, moves to Chelsea from Portsmouth, where he spent a year as technical director.

''His experience and knowledge will play an important role in the formulation of overall football policy with chief executive Peter Kenyon, manager Jose Mourinho and director of youth development and scouting Frank Arnesen,'' the club said in a statement on their Web site (www.chelseafc.com).

Grant will join the club on their pre-season tour to Los Angeles, starting tomorrow.

REUTERS BJR PM1814