Avram Grant has resigned as the manager of Portsmouth after a troubled season for the club, its players and its fans in which the side was relegated from the Premier League and collapsed financially.
In an open letter to the club's supporters Grant said the decision to step down was one of the most difficult he has taken.
"It's been both a difficult and complex year for us at the club but at the same time it's been a wonderful and uplifting professional and personal experience," he said. "I will never forget you, the loyal fans of Pompey who, without a doubt, helped me protect the team under such complex circumstances. There are very few teams in the world that have fans as passionate and devoted as you are.
"It has been a great experience to be part of one of the most wonderful occurrences that has happened in the history of British football and also shows that even in the most desperate times loyalty, devotion, professionalism and passion can be demonstrated. I wish you all the possible success which you genuinely deserve."
Grant became something of a folk hero to the club's supporters after taking over from Paul Hart in November. He steered the club to the FA Cup final despite Portsmouth being in administration and subsequently having nine points docked from their Premier League tally.
"Portsmouth has given me a feeling of home away from home. I might be leaving Portsmouth physically but you cannot take Portsmouth away from me and my heart," he said. "I have informed Andrew [Andronikou] the administrator that, if and when the need arises, I will be at his disposal to assist in any way I possibly can. At this point I would like to mention the good job the administrator is doing, under very difficult circumstances after he received the club from Mr Chainrai and Mr Levy which they had saved from liquidation. Thank you for that."
Though Grant still had two years remaining on his contract at Portsmouth, he is understood to be the favourite to replace Gianfranco Zola at West Ham after the Italian was sacked last week. Andronikou had told Grant the club would not stand in his way should he be offered another post. "There is a contract in place but I have said we are not going to ask for compensation. We at least owe him that after the tremendous job he has done for this football club," he said.