Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie insists manager Paul Hart's job is safe following the return of Avram Grant.

The former Chelsea boss has signed a two-year deal with the club following Saudi businessman Ali Al Faraj's takeover at Fratton Park.

While Storrie spoke to Hart this morning about the Israeli's appointment, he confirmed the club's new owner handpicked Grant for the position he formerly occupied during Harry Redknapp's managerial tenure.

Hart has endured a nightmare start to the season with the south-coast club, losing the first seven games of the season before finally managing a 1-0 win over Wolves last time out.

But Hart remains in charge of picking the team and need not worry over his role changing, according to Storrie.

He said: "People can construe it how they like - the fact is he (Grant) has been brought in as a director of football and that has been made abundantly clear.

"He will work with Paul and do exactly the same as what he did with Harry. He will be involved in the coaching.

"Paul selects the team but he is missing an experienced man alongside him at the moment.''

Following Brian Kidd's departure as assistant manager over the summer, Portsmouth have been without a deputy for Hart.

Storrie confirmed the club will no longer be searching for a number two following Grant's arrival.

But he hopes the former Israel national boss, who led Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008, will provide the experience needed to get the club out of the Premier League drop zone.

He said: "Effectively, we will have two senior people at the helm, which is only good for the club.

"Avram will be on the technical side and will work closely with Paul in all aspects.

"As far as (signing) players in the future is concerned, it will be all of us (making the decisions), including our new chief scout Ray Clarke, myself, Avram and Paul.''

Goalkeeper David James, meanwhile, is happy that life at Fratton Park appears to be more stable with news of further investment and a takeover during the past few days after non-payment of wages last week.

The 39-year-old said: "With the takeover, hopefully things will stabilise. The non-payment issue was not good and if the club was on the verge of administration, it did not bode well.

"But we seem to have sorted that out and it's amazing what a difference a week makes.

"We've got our first win on the board against Wolves. Performances have been all right so to get three points wasn't a surprise.

"Now all we have to do is beat Tottenham in our next game and be challenging for Europe by Christmas!''