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In Pictures: Joe Hart's early days at hometown Shrewsbury

Joe Hart was destined for bigger and better things. But a decade ago, the England and Manchester ...



In Pictures: Joe Hart's ea...
Soccer

In Pictures: Joe Hart's early days at hometown Shrewsbury

Joe Hart was destined for bigger and better things. But a decade ago, the England and Manchester City No 1 was still at his hometown club.

Shrewsbury Town take on Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round and launched the career of England's leading goalkeeper of the current generation.

He was pitched into the Shrewsbury squad at just 15, before making his debut just after he turned 17 in April 2004.

Shrewsbury goalkeeper Joe Hart (L) gets to grips with Grimsby's Robert Jones during the Coca-Cola League Two match at Gay Meadow, Shrewsbury, Saturday October 1, 2005. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo Malcolm Couzens/PA.

At that time, the club were in the Conference for a single season and returned to the Football League the following season when Hart made six appearances in all, conceding just four goals and setting the scene for his graduation to starting keeper.

Wycombe's Matt Bloomfield (L) and Shrewsbury's goal keeper Joe Hart clash during the League Two match at Causeway Stadium, High Wycombe, Saturday March 11, 2006. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo Max Nash/PA.

That final season at Shrewsbury in 2005-06 would prove vital in his road to the top as he made 50 appearances in all competitions and impressed to the degree that he not only earned himself a move to Manchester City, but also the League Two goalkeeper of the year award at just 19.

Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Joe Hart with PFA Chairman Chris Powell. Picture by: Jon Buckle / EMPICS Sport

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