History of Portsmouth F.C. place, thanks to academy director Paul Hart stepping in as caretaker boss, seven points clear of the relegated clubs, despite the disruption brought by the departure of Harry Redknapp and the subsequent sacking of his successor, former assistant manager Tony Adams. At the start of the 2008–09 season rumours began to fly around that Portsmouth were facing crippling debts due to their recent heavy spending and owner Alexandre Gaydamak was looking to sell the club. After Redknapp's departure many key players began to depart with Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe leaving in January. In May 2009, Sulaiman Al-Fahim had a
Paul Hart was to keep them in the Championship. This was achieved on Hart's final day in the job after a 2–2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, which saw the hosts relegated instead. Hart left Crystal Palace at the end of the season. In June 2010, it was announced that Hart was on the shortlist to become the successor to Phil Brown at the recently relegated Hull City. The job however was given to Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson. Hart was appointed manager of Swindon Town on 3 March 2011, with his new club in the League One relegation zone. He appointed former