Manchester United FC: Portsmouth could have their next manager in place for Saturday’s Fratton Park clash with Manchester United

Nov 25 2009 by Gareth Bicknell, Daily Post

Manchester United FC: The club already have an ideal replacement for Hart at the club, after bringing in former Chelsea manager Avram Grant as director of football last month.

Pompey intend to make a swift appointment, however there was no confirmation last night that Grant will inherit the job.

Portsmouth may even turn to former Wrexham captain Ferguson, with some bookmakers offering short odds on the appointment of the out-of-work former Peterborough manager.

That could offer the tantalising prospect of Ferguson taking on his father Sir Alex’s team at the weekend.

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie said: “Paul has worked under very difficult circumstances with the financial restrictions the club has faced since he took over.

“However, the board feels that the team should have accrued more points to date and that we need a new man in charge to ensure Premier League survival.”

PORTO v CHELSEA, CL GP D, TONIGHT 7.45PM: Captain John Terry insists Chelsea are becoming a feared team again as they aim to secure first place in Group D with victory over Porto tonight.

Terry said: “We know here what it takes to win major titles, and we need to produce that now.

“When we are away with England, players from other teams tell us they are fearing us again. We have got a good chance of going on to do great things this year.”

WALES forward David Cotterill has joined Swansea City on loan from Sheffield United until January 4, with a view to a permanent move.

He said: “I’ve moved to Swansea for purely footballing reasons.”

“It was very frustrating at Sheffield because I wasn’t playing regularly – and any footballer will tell you there is nothing worse.”

Manchester City winger Martin Petrov has already ruled himself out of Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Hull with a knew injury.

Petrov said: “I am feeling better but I don’t think I’ll make it this week. I am hoping that I can start training again at the start of next week.”

England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup has been thrown into another crisis by the shock resignation of Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards from the board.

Richards said: “With the recent changes to the England 2018 bid team structure, I feel I can now best support a successful bid without the necessity of sitting on the board.”

Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign Nicky Shorey on loan from Aston Villa.

The left-back is set to link up with the Championship club tomorrow and will remain at the City Ground until the end of December.