Sacked Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has rejected an offer from the club to take up a role with the youth team.

Hart was axed by the south coast club on Tuesday evening much to his surprise and almost immediately replaced him with director of football Avram Grant.

There was talk that Pompey would offer Hart a technical role but they decided to offer him the chance to again work with the club's youngsters - a similar role to which he was involved with before taking over as interim manager last season.

But Hart turned down the offer in a frank and forward statement.

"I would like at this time to thank all of the supporters and players for the backing they have given during my time at Portsmouth Football Club," said the statement which was released to Sky Sports News.

"The speed of recent events, though, has been somewhat surprising and I am naturally disappointed not to be able to continue in the role at Portsmouth Football Club.

"Unfortunately I do not believe that having been the manager of Portsmouth Football Club I will be able to return to the youth-team role that has been offered to me by the club and it is with deep regret that my time with Portsmouth Football Club has now come to an end."