David James is backing Avram Grant's ability to save Portsmouth from relegation to the Championship.
Pompey keeper insists new man with save club
David James is backing Avram Grant's ability to save Portsmouth from relegation to the Championship.
Pompey sacked Paul Hart this week following their 1-0 defeat at Stoke, a result that ensured they stayed bottom of the table.
The Fratton Park outfit have made a swift appointment in Avram Grant, who was originally named director of football in October.
Grant impressed as Chelsea boss in the 2007/08 season and James believes his knowledge will be invaluable to the strugglers.
"Avram's knowledge is immense," he told
The Sun. "He's like Yoda.
"His pearls of wisdom seem to be far-reaching and he speaks a lot of sense. He is just what we need and I'm sure he can get us out of trouble.
"He draws on all his experiences from years gone by about dealing with different players. He's very different and profound which appeals to me.
"I have total respect for him and he will get the instant respect of all the players. He's a wonderful bloke and has got what it takes for a relegation fight."
Casualties
James feels for Hart as he believes Pompey's performances have not been bad, however, he admits their record of two Premier League wins from 13 games speaks for itself.
The England international concedes he would like to go into management one day himself and admits he cannot explain why players perform for one manager and not another.
"Unfortunately we all understand there are casualties in this game and what happened is due to the fact we are bottom of the league," he continued.
"We have been playing decent enough football and a lot of our games have been very close.
"I think we've had six 1-0 defeats and lost eight by the odd goal but the results have gone the wrong way so something's not quite right.
"This season, though, we weren't winning many at all and it becomes very difficult when you've only won two games all season.
"I want to be a manager myself and you understand casualties will occur when things aren't going well.
Perform
"People will ask why the players might do it for the new manager when they didn't do it for the previous guy, but I suppose that's why clubs change them.
"That's not to denigrate the previous manager - it's just what happens."
James will be absent from Grant's first game in charge against champions Manchester United with a damaged calf, something he finds frustrating.
"I'm gutted that I'll not be able to play but I'm hopeful of being back quite quickly," he concluded.
"Having United to start is some test but we have done okay against them at our place in recent years. It's going to be an interesting five months but I genuinely think we'll be all right."
