Storrie Takes Hart From Turnaround

25 April 2009 08:09
Paul Hart could be asked stay in charge at Portsmouth next season after chief executive Peter Storrie expressed his admiration for the way he has changed the club's fortunes.[LNB]Future plans remain unknown because Pompey owner Alexandre Gaydamak has made it clear he is looking to sell the debt-laden club.[LNB]There have been no reports of potential buyers and the Franco-Russian has said he will only sell to someone who can give full assurance of having the team's on-field fortunes at heart.[LNB]But the influential Storrie has praised Hart, who was promoted from head of youth development when Tony Adams was sacked in February, and his assistant, former England coach Brian Kidd.[LNB]The pair have gleaned 13 points from nine matches since taking over and have lost twice - to Chelsea and Manchester United.[LNB]They can all but secure Pompey's top-flight survival with victory at troubled Newcastle on Monday night, which would put them nine points clear of the relegation zone with four games to go.[LNB]Storrie said: "In many ways Paul and Brian are an amusing combination - Paul with his experience and (his effect) as a disciplinarian on occasions, and Brian with his fantastic coaching knowledge.[LNB]"Together they have created something special for the players.[LNB]"The reaction they have had from senior players like Sol Campbell, David James and Sylvain Distin, people who have been there and done it all, is plain to see.[LNB]"And the way they have turned things around here in such a short space of time is magnificent."[LNB]There are major decisions to be made even if Pompey, who play Arsenal, Blackburn, Sunderland and Wigan after Newcastle, reach the all-important 40 points on Sunday.[LNB]Seventeen players, including skipper Campbell, midfielder Sean Davis, defender Herman Hreidarsson and loanees Jermaine Pennant and Armand Traore are out of contract in the summer.[LNB]But Hart believes now is not the time for contract talks.[LNB]"Contracts will be discussed at the appropriate time," he said.[LNB]"That's not now and I don't even know if I will be involved. I came in for one game (against Manchester City) a couple of[LNB]months ago and it has been extended to the end of the season although I've got three years on my other (academy) job.[LNB]"But as far as the first team is concerned it is all about getting to the end of the season and staying up. It would be foolish and disrespectul to everybody involved for me to fantasise about what might happen next season."[LNB]

Source: Eurosport