Hart wants Pompey to turn nasty

NASTY is not the word that immediately associates itself with Paul Hart. Portsmouth’s amiable caretaker manager is as softly-spoken and courteous as they come in the Premier League pressure cooker but Hart has demanded his side embrace the dark arts if they wish to preserve their top flight status.

Pompey snatched an injury-time draw here, a welcome result given they had gone from 1-0 up to 2-1 down in the last 15 minutes, but the point was of little use to either side as they strive to stay out of trouble.

Hart has now collected four points from the two matches he has been in charge following the sacking of Tony Adams, a run which has allowed Portsmouth to stay five points above the relegation zone, but the temporary manager knows they cannot afford to ease up.