Hart snubs Pompey youth-team role

Sacked boss Paul Hart has rejected a youth-team role offered to him by Portsmouth, as he wants "a return to management in the near future".

Hart: Turns down youth-team role
Hart: Turns down youth-team role

The Premier League's bottom club have acted quickly in replacing their former manager since his sacking on Tuesday evening by moving Avram Grant from a position as director of football.

Hart turned down an opportunity to become a technical director at Pompey after being given his marching orders - and he has now stated that he has declined another role.

The 56-year-old was director of youth operations before taking over at Fratton Park on an initial caretaker basis last season prior to signing a full-time contract - and he has snubbed the chance to return to working with the club's youngsters.

A statement released from Hart's representatives to Sky Sports News read: "I would like at this time to thank all of the supporters and players for the backing they have given during my time at Portsmouth Football Club.

"The speed of recent events, though, has been somewhat surprising and I am naturally disappointed not to be able to continue in the role at Portsmouth Football Club.

"Unfortunately I do not believe that having been the manager of Portsmouth Football Club I will be able to return to the youth-team role that has been offered to me by the club and it is with deep regret that my time with Portsmouth Football Club has now come to an end."

But former Chesterfield, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Rushden & Diamonds chief Hart does want to quickly find a new job.

The statement continued: "However, I look forward to a return to management in the near future."

Your Comments

FHMAG13 (Newcastle United fan)

"Gotta feel sorry for the fella, he never stood a chance there - who would when all you're best players are sold from under your nose? Good luck to him hope he finds a new job soon."

Hirdy (Newcastle United fan)

"Avram Grant is a better manager than Paul Hart and the players may respond to him."

markAVFC1 (Aston Villa fan)

"readingclaret,Hart was already doing the youth job at Pompey or a similar role when he was asked to manage the club,due to lack of funds he helped them out as best he could to save money,hes been dignified throughout the turmoil despite losing his best players,after managing the club its not so easy to drift into the background again,he should be applauded for his efforts! Farfromfratton,Pompey are in big trouble because of there financial problems not Paul Hart,miss management of funds left them in the poop whoever wud have been managing,its a massive ask to survive the premiership losing that amount of star players, Pompey will get there just deserts in the end in the fizzy pop league thanks to Peter Storrie the man that shud be blamed! Fratton Park backwards spells nottarf krap by the way!"

ReadingClaret (Burnley fan)

"Where does Paul Hart think hes going to get a job? He is arrogant to think people will be beating a path to his door. He has achieved nothing and better unemployed managers are out there. He should have accepted Pompeys youth job at least its better than the dole."

DJT2 (Newcastle United fan)

"yeah I like Paul Hart, shows dignity, hope he gets a more worthy employer soon!!"

threadonaspool (Liverpool fan)

"Pompey are a joke of a club. Least this man can walk out with some dignity!! Hes about the only one who can. Absolute joke of a club."

farfromfratton (Portsmouth fan)

"Glad you know so much about it MarkAVFC1. Take a look at our record this year and last under Hart. Its atrocious. He's a decent bloke but hasnt delivered any goods and we wish him no malice. Unfortunately he was taking us down.

By the way we are not a grotty little club, and if my mind serves me well AVFC is not always the best place to be. I hope he turns up at your club soon and see what you think then."

markAVFC1 (Aston Villa fan)

"good on ya Paul Hart and hold your head up high,better off out of that grotty little club anyway,you stood against adversity as they all went past you to other clubs and you did the best you could with the rest,dont worry Pompey are known for taking 1 step forward and 3 steps back,lets watch the next scene pan out of the pig-hole as its panto season!"

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