Source: SKY_Sports
Hart denies negative tactics
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has denied the club have employed negative tactics in a bid to retain their Premier League status.
It has been suggested some fans are unhappy the club are not playing the attractive, free-flowing football they played under ex-manager Harry Redknapp.
However, Hart, who has secured 10 points from their previous seven games compared to two from their previous nine, believes people need a reality check.
With Pompey battling to save their top-flight skins, Hart thinks it would not be prudent for people to lose sight of the club's priority this season.
Question marks are still being raised about Hart's future, but he is focusing his efforts on helping to keep the club up ahead of the possibility of being offered a long-term deal.
"I know it was a disappointment last week but the fact is we have been getting results and have been very close to getting all the right results," explained Hart.
"I listen to some people saying we are very negative but I don't understand that. In seven games we've hit the post in every one, bar one, and we've created chances to win them all. We've lost only one, to
Chelsea.
"But right now we are where we are, we have a bit of realism and we can't afford to get foolhardy and stupid in our quest.
"It's the sharp end of the season and even the top clubs will tell you it's not about silky football, it's about results. I'm here because we were in a mess and my task is to keep us up.
"I'll be judged on that because the supporters are desperate for us to stay in the Premier League and we all want the same thing, but whether I'll change things next season if I'm still here (as manager), I'm not even going to talk about it.
"To start fantasising about that would be totally wrong and totally disrespectful to everybody concerned. Staying up is all I'm focused on."
