Paul Hart, a former Pompey manager, has joined Nathan Jones’ Charlton coaching staff.
The 70-year-old was appointed assistant manager of the Addicks, one year after leaving Luton as the Hatters’ academy director.
Hart joins forces with Jones having worked with the Welshman during his two managerial spells at Kenilworth Road and at Stoke. The duo also previously worked together at The Valley. Hart appointed Jones as the club’s under-21s lead coach back in 2012 during his time as academy director
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Both will be in the Charlton dugout for the first time when the south London side travel to Reading in League One on Saturday. The Addicks head to the Royals sitting 19th in the table and one point above the relegation zone. The welcome Pompey to The Valley in two weeks time (Saturday, February 24). Speaking to the club website, Hart said: ‘It’s very good to be back. I’ve still got lots of old friends here and some very happy memories. I’m very much looking forward to the role. ‘I’ve done it before with Nathan and we’ve known each other a good while now from the Charlton days. We’re looking forward to helping Charlton achieve what they want to achieve. Nathan’s a very good coach
Naturally, Hart had managed Pompey for nine and a half months earlier in his career, beginning as caretaker.
In February 2009, he was asked to take over as head of the academy after Tony Adams stepped down, and successfully stopped the decline to keep the Blues in the Premier League.
In July 2009, such agreement was made permanent. However, he was fired after a terrible start to the 2009–10 campaign, which saw them lose seven of their first seven Premier League games.
Avram Grant, who resigned as director of football at Fratton Park in November 2009, took over as his replacement.
Hart, who did, in fact, lead the Blues down a downward spiral of financial difficulties, won six of his 27 league games as manager. The former defender has managed Nottingham Forest, Barnsley, and QPR in addition to Pompey.
