Chelsea Announce New Manager: Avram Grant

LONDON (AP) - Chelsea appointed Avram Grant and Steve Clarke to take charge of the Premier League team Thursday after manager Jose Mourinho's sudden departure.

''Chelsea football club can confirm that Avram Grant and Steve Clarke will be in charge of the first team from today (Thursday),'' Chelsea said on its website.

Chelsea did not say how long the pair would be running the team or exactly what their roles would be. Chelsea's next game is at defending champion Manchester United on Sunday.

''The club is delighted that, in Avram, we have an experienced man who can come in immediately at this difficult time to help deliver our objectives. In Steve, we have a Chelsea man and he will be a crucial part of the management team going forward,'' Chelsea added.

Clarke was assistant coach under Mourinho, while Grant was hired by billionaire owner Roman Abramovich to work alongside Mourinho this season.