Paul Hart has left the door open for a return to Crystal Palace as manager after guiding the Eagles to Championship safety on Sunday.

The 57-year-old's short term contract ran out immediately after the 2-2 draw that got Palace the point they needed against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough and sent their opponents down to League One.

Hart, who celebrates his birthday today, says he will put no pressure on any new Palace owners to appoint him but admits he would welcome a comeback.

"I have said all along let's get this takeover done and they can make their own decision," he said.

"But it would be no hardship whatsoever to work with this football club.

"It's been a fantastic experience but they should be allowed to make their own appointments, without any interference from perspective managers.

"This has to be a launchpad for Palace as now they can build from a sound base of Championship football which I think is important.

"It is such a good club that I would fully expect, with the correct business processes and handled properly from the top right the way through to the football side, it could make great progress."

Palace were twice pegged back by Wednesday after taking the lead through Alan Lee and then Darren Ambrose, with Darren Purse's equaliser five minutes from time ensuring a nervy finale.

Hart though was never in any doubt the Eagles would stay up.

"I was never overly concerned," he said.

"Our centre backs were heading most things, we were good on the second ball and when we hit the right pass we were dangerous on the break.

"It was as emotional-a-day as I have been through though.

"I often listen to people who say they were completely drained after a match and I know what they mean now.

"We have been fighting a relegation battle for three months through no fault of our own but the players have stood up to be counted and I am very proud them."