Avram Grant was today announced as West Ham's new manager, and I personally think it is the smartest move David Gold and David Sullivan have made since they took over the club in January.

The Israeli manager did a superb job at Chelsea and came within the width of a post to winning them the Champions League. His time at Stamford Bridge proved he could bring the best out of big players and he also produced an attractive brand of football.

He was a popular figure there, and he was well-liked by everyone at Portsmouth. After falling into administration, Grant could have easily jumped ship but instead he stuck to the task and guided the team to the FA Cup final last season, where they were unlucky not to beat Chelsea.

In short, Grant is a loyal, affable and talented manager who has plenty of good players to work with at Upton Park and all the ingredients to be a success.

The only concern will be his ability to get on with the two chairmen, who are still likely to go over his head in recruiting players, just as they did when Gianfranco Zola was in charge.

Still, the fact that Grant is the two Davids' own choice, rather than an inheritance in Zola's case, is likely to work in the new man's favour, and he is sure to turn to Pompey for a number of players in his West Ham renovation.

A four-year deal, which will be signed once a work permit has been granted, seems a lengthy period, especially when one considers the long contract that Zola and Steve Clarke were offered by the previous Icelandic owners. Those deals backfired and, should Grant fail, the club - already struggling financially - will be left with a hefty pay-out.

Still, let's not dwell too long on the negatives and focus on the positives: West Ham will be in safe hands with Grant.

What do you think of West Ham's new manager? Would Grant have been your first choice, or would you have preferred someone else? Have your say below.

Log on for all the latest West Ham news and follow us, GuardianGoblin, for updates on Twitter.