Grant refuses to commit to Pompey - Exclusive

Portsmouth want Avram Grant to stay as their new manager next season - but the unhappy Israeli is refusing to commit to a contract.

Grant is so popular at all levels within Fratton Park that the administrator has asked him to sign a new deal to guide the club in the Championship and back to the top- flight.

However, the former Chelsea chief is so 'worn down' by the false promises he has had at Pompey that he will not sign and instead looks set to leave in the summer.

Grant has been loyal to the fans and the players throughout the club's horror problems, but he feels let down by too many key individuals behind the scenes to trust their plans on the long-term future.

The veteran boss - known as Uncle Avram among the players - will see out the campaign but needs major reassurances before he carries on beyond that.

Pompey are due to meet the Premier League tomorrow [Wednesday] to finalise their punishment for going into administration. The deal will be for them to take their nine-point penalty in exchange for a major up-front cash sum to see them through the season.

Despite the administrator's hopes that they could keep the points, Pompey have now been told they will only get the cash advance if they accept the deduction - and also promise not to take any future legal action against the decision.