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 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