Hart confirmed as new Crystal Palace manager

Crystal Palace have today named Paul Hart as their new manager to replace Neil Warnock.

Hart, 56, takes over at Selhurst Park until the end of the season after Warnock quit to join QPR last night.

Former Palace stars Dougie Freedman and John Pemberton will form his new coaching staff.

Ironically, Hart was appointed Rangers boss soon after his sacking at Portsmouth earlier this season but he lasted less than a month before walking out.

The Eagles are above the relegation zone only on goal difference after they were deducted 10 points for going into administration in January.

But Hart feels he can repeat the trick he managed in his first season at Fratton Park and keep the team up.

"I think it's quite obvious I like a challenge, and this is a big one, but I felt that the support would be there," said Hart.

"There's only one objective and that is to stay in this division.

"This club deserves to be in this division, there's been a lot thrown at it in the last six months and the players don't deserve it either.

"The club were in contact yesterday evening. I asked a few questions and I felt the conditions were fair and that I could succeed.

"There are many similarities to at Portsmouth ; there are 14 games left, an experienced squad who can play, and I feel with a few tweaks we can get there."