Hart appointed permanent Pompey boss

Paul Hart has signed a two-year deal to become Portsmouth manager on a permanent basis, the club have confirmed.

Paul Hart has today signed a two-year contract as Portsmouth manager after meeting with Al Fahim at the club's training ground in Eastleigh.

Hart, 56, replaced Tony Adams in February when only goal difference separated Portsmouth from the relegation zone and helped guide the club to Premier League safety.

Al Fahim said: “Paul did a great job keeping the team in the Premier League last season and, having previously worked as director of youth operations, he knows the club inside out.

“He has immense experience and a great knowledge of the game and commands the respect of the players. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Hart, who joined Pompey in 2007, said: “Portsmouth are a fantastic club and it’s a great honour for me to be manager.

“The players responded brilliantly to the challenge when I was handed the role last season and I’m looking forward to continuing that relationship as we prepare for our seventh straight season in the Premier League.”