Sacked boss Hart rejects chance to work with Fratton Park youngsters

Paul Hart has rejected Portsmouth's offer to stay at the club as technical director.The 56-year-old, sacked as manager by the Fratton Park club on Tuesday, had been offered the opportunity to stay on and develop the club's 18-21-year-old players.But the former Nottingham Forest boss has turned down the offer and is expected to take a pay-off worth six months' salary to sever ties with the troubled South Coast club. Sacked: Portsmouth axed manager Paul Hart earlier this weekI'm the boss: Avram Grant succeeds Paul HartHart was sacked with little warning after giving a routine press conference on Tuesday but was given the opportunity to stay on as technical director. He was then stunned by the club putting out a statement later that evening saying that he had rejected the offer, when in fact he was still considering it.But Hart has now decided to leave - on the day that Avram Grant was installed as the new manager. Grant had originally been appointed as director of football six weeks ago to assist the manager, but the Israeli found his job upgraded on the day he was finally given a work permit allowing him to take up his duties.Hart said in a statement: 'I would like at this time to thank all of the supporters and players for the backing they have given during my time at Portsmouth Football Club.'The speed of recent events, though, has been somewhat surprising and I am naturally disappointed not to be able to continue in the role.'Unfortunately I do not believe that having been the manager of Portsmouth, I will be able to return to the youth-team role that has been offered to me and it is with deep regret that my time with the club has now come to an end.'However, I look forward to a return to management in the near future.'Signs of improvement: Aruna Dindane hits apenalty past Chris Kirkland during a convincing 4-0 victory over Wiganat Fratton Park earlier this month Avram Grant named Portsmouth manager - and it's Manchester United up first for Paul Hart's successorPompey give Burnley the green light to sign Nugent on a permanent dealPortsmouth ditch plans to host World Cup 2018 matches after council snubCrocked Portsmouth keeper James will make the World Cup, claims boss HartPORTSMOUTH FC

Source: Daily_Mail