Source: SKY_Sports
Hart hopeful of conclusion
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is hopeful the club's proposed takeover is 'sorted out sooner rather than later'.[LNB] Sulaiman Al Fahim remains in talks with Pompey owner Alexandre Gaydamak as he bids to complete his purchase of the Premier League side.[LNB]The uncertainty has led to suggestions the South Coast outfit could face relegation, with star names having already sought exits.[LNB]Hart is optimistic a conclusion could be on the horizon, but for the time being remains focused on his team's task in hand, which sees them kick-off the term against Fulham.[LNB]"As far as I know there hasn't been a takeover yet and everyone has been made well aware of that," said Hart.[LNB]Money"Obviously I think it would be in the best interests of the club to get it sorted out sooner rather than later, but I am just concentrating on the football side of things at the moment, that's my job.[LNB]"That's what I'm here for, the finances are for someone else to deal with.[LNB]"I'm an employee of the football club I'll get told when it's right to be told and as it stands at the moment my job is out there with the players and producing a team that is going to be competitive by the start of the season."[LNB]Hart is prepared for a 'battle' in the new campaign and is confident his players will fight to secure their top-flight status.[LNB]"The Premier League is tough itself and for us it's going to be tough," the former Nottingham Forest manager said.[LNB]War"But we are going to be one of many clubs outside the top four who will find it hard to stay in.[LNB]"Clubs are making the transition from the Championship to the Premier League and staying there is difficult.[LNB]"You have only got to look at skeletons of the past years: Leeds, Ipswich were the first, Charlton as well, it's an unforgiving place.[LNB]"But there is a hunger and ambition within the players to compete and to get this right. I'll be telling them that it's a battle. I think we know it's a fight."[LNB]
