Hart back battling for survival

championship

FORMER Barnsley manager Paul Hart makes his first return to Oakwell since being sacked five years ago.

Hart took over as manager of Crystal Palace two games ago following the departure of Neil Warnock and is trying to save the club from the drop.

The Eagle would only be five points adrift of the play-off zone, two points above Barnsley, if they not been docked 10 points for entering administration.

Hart’s 12-month spell at Barnsley coincided with the reign of Peter Ridsdale as chairman but he was unable to secure promotion from League One.

After a brief spell at Rushden and Diamonds, Hart steered Portsmouth to Premier League safety last season but was sacked after losing the first seven games of the current campaign. He then endured a turbulent five- game spell at Queens Park Rangers before accepting his latest challenge at Selhurst Park.