Grant can build on Mourinho spirit

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The Portuguese left after more than three years with the club in the early hours of Thursday morning, with the Blues later admitting his relationship with the board had broken down.

Former Israel national coach Grant was installed quickly as his replacement, and Buck insists he is the right man for the job despite doubts over his credentials, saying: "It has been a very eventful few days but it was very important for the club to announce Avram Grant and (assistant manager) Steve Clarke as soon as possible."

He added: "We are all committed building on our strengths and build on Jose Mourinho's achievements. We firmly believe they can help us do that. I am particularly thankful to Jose for giving the club a winning spirit and we want to extend that further."

Buck also denied that the terms of Mourinho's departure, agreed on Thursday night, had been a source of acrimony.

"There has been talk of a tug of war," he added. "The discussions we had with Jose yesterday were 100% civilised and as amicable as they could have been in the circumstances. The key issues were agreed in less than 15 minutes."

Buck wished Mourinho all the best and insisted Grant's appointment is "a step forward".

The American told a media conference televised live on Chelsea TV: "On a personal note and on behalf of my family and Chelsea supporters I'd like to wish Jose and his wife Matilde and son and daughter the best of luck in the future. They will always be part of the Chelsea family and always will be welcome back here at Stamford Bridge.

"I'm looking forward, I want to emphasise the club has total confidence in Avram and Steve Clarke and believe Avram shares our ambition and vision of the future.

"The players have expressed their support both for both Avram and Steve and now we are focused on the job of beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday."