UAE businessman linked to Portsmouth

Portsmouth have been linked with a takeover by United Arab Emirates businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim.

Al Fahim, the frontman for Abu Dhabi United Group when it took over Manchester City last year, is said to be in talks with Pompey owner Alexandre Gaydamak, according to reports in the Middle East.

Gaydamak has previously stated he is looking to sell the club and finding a permanent manager will be the first on the agenda for any new owners.

Paul Hart, helped by assistant boss Brian Kidd, took charge following the departure of Tony Adams and guided the club to Barclays Premier League safety with 17 points from 14 games.

"He's done brilliant, I think he deserves it," said midfielder Hayden Mullins.

"Brian doesn't get many of the mentions but he's been brilliant too, and I think both of them work really well together.

"They have come in and steadied the ship, brought a calmness to it and we're happy with the way it's going.

"He brought his own ideas in and it's been a case of getting on the training pitch and working with him, getting through what he wants."

After finishing 14th, Hart has been modest about his achievements.

He told The News: "I keep saying a pat on the back is only about six inches from a kick up the backside and it's true. We don't want glorifying or whatever. There has been a job done and the players should take the credit for that."