On this day: The former Leeds man Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was putting faith in to produce Blues stars of the future

Hart had just been installed as the director of youth operations as the Blues sought to transform their existing youth set-up.

He was the man who previously nurtured then England stars Jonathan Woodgate, Paul Robinson, Michael Dawson and Jermaine Jenas, and was now settling into his new role at Fratton Park.

The former Nottingham Forest manager was also tasked with heading the push to win academy status as Pompey planned to create a state-of-the-art training ground in Titchfield for the start of the 2008-09 season.

And Redknapp believed there is no-one better for the job.

He told The News at the time: ‘We were looking for somebody.

‘It’s an area we’re definitely keen to push on, and Paul is a top man.

'He did a fantastic job at Leeds and Nottingham Forest.

‘He’s great with the kids, and as far as I’m concerned there’s no-one better. I couldn’t be happier.

‘The academy is something we are looking to set up, along with getting the new training ground.

‘I thought Paul would be the best man for it so I got in touch.

‘He’s got a great pedigree, just look at the players he’s brought through – Woodgate, Robinson, Jenas, they’re top-class England internationals.

‘He’s worked with them all.

‘Paul’s managed a few clubs. He was at Rushden & Diamonds earlier this season.

‘But I think he enjoys working with the young players more than he does managing.

‘That’s something he felt so he was keen on getting back into that side of the game.

‘Producing a few kids is great and that’s what we now need to do.

‘We’ve got to get them coming through the youth team and bring them into the first team.

‘That’s something we’ve missed at this club but now we’ve got someone who is one of the best around at working with the youngsters.

‘He’ll make a big difference, for sure.’

Hart was to work alongside head of youth development Mark Kelly as they attempted to lay the foundations for a more productive youth set-up.

The then 53-year-old was in charge of the Leeds kids who won the FA Youth Cup in 1993 and 1997 and formed the backbone of the Leeds side who reached the European Cup semi-finals in 2001.

After a fall-out with George Graham over the promise of Woodgate, he switched to Nottingham Forest, where his under-19s won the title in 2000.

The likes of David Prutton, Andy Reid, Gareth Williams, Dawson and Jenas all emerged during his reign and went on to play for their countries at various international levels.

At the time, Pompey were seeking planning permission from Fareham Borough Council for the planned Titchfield redevelopment - a key part of the blueprint for the future.