Goalkeeper Joe Hart has officially become Shrewsbury Town’s first £1m player after making his debut in the 3-0 win in Trinidad & Tobago.He replaced David James as a second half substitute in last night’s friendly to complete his remarkable rise up the ranks.
See also - Shrews blogger on Joe Hart
It is believed that he is the first Shropshire-born England international since Billy Wright.
Town are now in line to pocket a further £500,000 as part of the deal negotiated when he made the transfer to Manchester City.
Shrewsbury received an initial £600,000 for the former Meole Brace School pupil, and had been receiving further payments for each appearance he made for the Premiership club.
But it is his international breakthrough that has taken the deal through the seven-figure barrier and seen him join Ironbridge-born Wolves legend Wright as one of Shropshire’s most successful sporting sons.
And Shrewsbury’s head of youth Nigel Vaughan could not hide his delight today as he reflected on Hart’s ever-increasing profile.
“It was fantastic to see him out there playing for his country,” he declared. “We always knew he was destined for the top but to get there so quickly is absolutely tremendous.
“It’s a great boost for Shrewsbury Town and for the centre of excellence. All the people here who worked with him are really proud today.
“It’s a nice windfall for the club too. With Paul Simpson coming in as manager he wants to do it his way and this cash will give him the leeway to get players in or move them out in the way he thinks is right.
“When the club sold him to Manchester City I don’t think they thought he’d become a million-pound player as quickly as he has. He’s always had a great attitude, he’s down-to-earth, and he deserves this.”
Hart will now hope to establish himself as a member of Fabio Capello’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers, which start in September - though experienced Portsmouth man James seems certain to remain first choice.
James is still full of praise for the Shropshire lad, though, declaring: “I’ve been singing Joe’s praises for a long time, going back to the week we had in Thailand with Manchester City before I joined Portsmouth.
“The stuff he was doing out there during that short spell was impressive, when he played a couple of games, for such a young keeper.
“There is an eagerness and hunger about him. I think he has the potential to go all the way.”
Meanwhile, there were further celebrations in the county last night as Phil Jagielka - the brother of Telford man Steve - also made his debut for England.
By Chris Hudson
3 Comments
Well done Joe, all the best for the future.
The whole of Shropshire is proud of you.
Congratulations Joe. It won’t be long before you will be Englands No 1 keeper. Acknowledgements for Joe’s success must I feel be made to Dave Timmins ( now coaching at Preston North End) who recognised and furthered young Joe’s potential when he was goal keeping coach at the Gay Meadow.
well done joe, a great salopian, a note of caution though, i did not like radio 5 lives football pundits opinion of joe, intimating that a certain mr foster of man utd may become englands new goalkeeper in time. how can they judge after just 45 mins in the job and joe’s brilliant season with city. come on joe let us hope our new england manager keeps faith with you