Charles Joseph Hart

Personalia: Born: 19/4 1987 Birthplace: Shrewsbury Nationality: England (1/0) Height: 191 cm Weight: 83 kg Position: Goalkeeper Playing Record:     League FAC LC Season: Club: Apps Gls Apps Gls Apps Gls 2003-2006 Shrewsbury 54 0 2 0 2 0 2006-2007 Manchester City 1 0 0 0 0 0 2007 Tranmere Rovers (loan) 6 0 0 0 0 0 2007 Blackpool (loan) 5 0 0 0 0 0 2007-2008 Manchester City 26 0 3 0 3 0 2008-2009 Manchester City 23 0 1 0 0 0 Total:   115 0 6 0 5 0

Joe Harts professional footballing career started with Shrewsbury in the 2003-04 season, when he played a handful of games before becoming first choice shot-stopper in the 05/06 campaign. He made 54 appearences for the Shrews and winning League Two's best goalkeeper for 2005-06, also earning him a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year.

Rated as one of England's up and coming young stars, Hart played for both Englands Under-19's and Under-21's. On 22 May 2006 Manchester City signed the goalkeeper for an initial £600,000, but depending on appearances, the fee could rise to a total of £1,500,000. Hart made his debut for City on 14 October 2006 after injuries ruled out Andreas Isaksson and Nicky Weaver for the Premier League match against Sheffield United. He kept a clean sheet in the match, which finished goalless. He was drafted out on loan to gain experience and put in some superb performances for League One sides Tranmere and Blackpool. He returned to Eastlands in 2007/08 and gradually worked his way into the number 1 jersey.

At the start of the 2007/08 season both Hart and Isaksson had to watch from the sideline as youngster Kaspar Schmeichel made some great performances between the posts. It didn't take long however before the talented shot stopper made the number one position his own and a great season was crowned when he won his first senior cap in the 3-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago, on June 1, 2008 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.

Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no