Portsmouth boss Paul Hart in shock Reading link

Portsmouth boss Paul Hart has emerged as a shock candidate to take charge at Championship side Reading.

The former Nottingham Forest chief has guided Pompey to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup despite the transfer embargo, persistent doubts over the club's ownership and the arrival of Director of Football Avram Grant - over Hart's head.

Reading insist they are fully behind under-fire coach Brendan Rodgers, even though the Royals have slipped into the bottom three in the Championship having lost their last four games. They have won just twice in their 14 league outings.

But Hart has won admirers at the Madejski for the job he has done at Fratton Park by keeping the players motivated in difficult circumstances.

Of their last six games Portsmouth have won three - including their thumping 4-0 win over Stoke on Tuesday night - drawn two and lost only one.