Hart rejects youth-team role

Hart: Sacked on Tuesday

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.

Paul Hart
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Paul Hart has confirmed that he has rejected a youth-team role offered to him by Portsmouth.

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.

Disappointed

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."