When Hart replaced Tony Adams to become the third manager at Fratton Park last season, Pompey were separated from the relegation zone by goal difference alone.

The 56-year-old - assisted by Brian Kidd - took charge in February and oversaw a run of 17 points from 14 games, helping the club to preserve their top-flight status with something to spare.

Steering Pompey to safety - ultimately positioned seven points above the bottom three - was some achievement by Hart who inherited a dispirited squad floundering under Adams' guidance.

The no-thrills tactics used were effective as Pompey ground their way to survival with five draws and four wins, but were not always embraced by supporters accustomed to Harry Redknapp's leaning towards entertainment.

Many fear a similar pattern unfolding this season as the club, facing another battle against relegation following the summer-long exodus of key players, does whatever it takes to stay in the Premier League.

Hart, however, refuses to apologise for his aesthetically-challenging game plan.

"Some people said that we were very negative but I don't understand that," he said.

"During one seven-game run we hit the post in every match bar one and we've created chances to win them all. We lost only one during that time, to Chelsea.

"But we had to be realistic and couldn't afford to get foolhardy and stupid in our quest.

"At the sharp end of the season even the top clubs will tell you it's not about silky football, it's about results.

"I was made manager because we were in a mess and my task was to keep us up. That's what I should be judged on."

For all his success in keeping Pompey out of the Coca-Cola Championship - and during the final throes of Adams' reign they looked in serious trouble - Hart refuses to take the credit.

"If you look at my CV there are not many achievements - I'm not being funny, that's the truth," said the former Nottingham Forest boss.

"It was never about me, Brian or the staff. Neither of us seek personal glorification. It was about the players.

"I always say a pat on the back is only six inches from a kick up the back side.

"You won't get me or Brian shouting our mouths off, we are not like that.

"We did a job with the players and other members of staff and the players should take the credit for that.

"We listened to the players and tried to develop a way of playing which suited their needs. It was the players who made it happen.

"The club, which is the most important thing, is still in the Premier League."

Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie is more forthcoming about the contribution of Hart and Kidd to last season's effort.

"Paul and Brian steadied the ship at a very difficult time," he said.

"Team morale was very low when they came in but they took us on a good run and made us hard to beat at a time when it was just what we needed."