Portsmouth boss steps down

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has left the club with immediate effect after their disastrous start to the season.

Hart has been relieved of his duties at Fratton Park with director of football Avram Grant set to step into the breach for the time being.

Hart had steered Portsmouth to safety last season after taking over from Tony Adams but has not been able to do the same this year as Sunday's 1-0 loss to Stoke made in ten defeats in their first 13 games.

Portsmouth face Manchester United on Saturday with Grant set to be in charge, although it is unclear if the former Chelsea man will take the position permanently with Darren Ferguson among the early favourites to become Pompey's next permanent manager.