PAUL HART will have a big decision to make over the next few weeks as he considers whether to take on the role as manager of the club in the long term.

It looks certain Hart will now be offered the manager’s job, having worked without a specific contract since taking over the reins in February – initially for just one match following Tony Adams’ dismissal.

But Hart, 56, will have discussions with his wife and right-hand man Brian Kidd before deciding whether to consider returning to fulltime management, which would clearly mean stepping away from his designated role as the club’s academy director.

Newcastle’s defeat by Fulham on Saturday has guaranteed Pompey’s top-flight status for a seventh successive season no matter what the result of their final home game against fellow strugglers Sunderland tonight.

Although Hart has admitted his relief and satisfaction at the achievement, he said: ‘‘As we speak, nothing has changed with my situation.

‘‘I would still hope to be here next season because I have two years left on my youth director contract but as for anything else we will just have to wait and see.

‘‘When you see big clubs like Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough fighting to stay up and listen to the soundbites coming out of those clubs, it paints the full picture.

‘‘All I’m looking at now is to finish the season well.”