Source: SKY_Sports
Hart defends Pompey tactics
Paul Hart has defended his defensive mantra following vociferous criticism of his tactics during Portsmouth's 2-2 draw with West Brom at the weekend.[LNB] Boos reverberated around Fratton Park at the final whistle as Portsmouth failed to garner a three-point haul against a West Brom side marooned at the foot of the Premier League table.[LNB]Hart has been accused of failing to chase a victory in what was deemed a must-win encounter, but the former Nottingham Forest boss is making no excuses for his cautious approach.[LNB]After inheriting a side that leaked goals under previous incumbent Tony Adams, Hart has made tightening up Portsmouth's defence his number one priority.[LNB]Just one defeat from their last seven games suggests Hart is doing something right, and the temporary boss is convinced the club remain on track to fend off the drop.[LNB]Tough task"The situation is difficult but my job is to keep us in the Premier League," he told The News.[LNB]"Perhaps we've not been exactly sparkling going forward, but in such a short space of time you can't expect everything to fall into place.[LNB]"The Hull game was the first where we haven't scored and we've created chances in all of them.[LNB]"We went in the bottom three when we hadn't done much wrong, but the most important thing was to get out of it - and now the crucial thing is to stay out of it. [LNB]"It's still a perilous situation but overall I've enjoyed it so far - even the weight of responsibility that goes with it.[LNB]"But I don't want to be the person with the bad news blues at the end of the season. I want positive stuff. [LNB]"The players have made it enjoyable the way they've responded to what we want and it's been good."[LNB]
