Paul Hart took over as manager of Rushden & Diamonds, following the departure of Barry Hunter. After an average start to the season, Diamonds embarked on an eight match winless run, leading to Hart leaving the club in October by mutual consent. Hart joined Premier League club Portsmouth as Director of Youth Operations in 2007. He was asked to take over as caretaker manager, initially for one game only following the sacking of Tony Adams on 9 February 2009. Shortly afterwards, Hart brought Brian Kidd in as his assistant. He won his first game in charge 2–0 at home to Manchester City
Paul Hart later became caretaker manager, a day after the sacking of manager Shaun Derry on 23 March 2015, following a run of three wins in 24 league games. Hart guided the club to three draws in three games, before the appointment of Ricardo Moniz as manager on 7 April 2015. He subsequently left Notts County, stating it was always his attention to leave after the departure of Shaun Derry. On 29 August 2015, it was announced that Hart would return to Leeds United as the Academy Director and Under-21s Manager. He left the club on 1 April 2016 due to personal