VMC Flashback: Hart Pumps Young Blood Into City

Rewind to May 2006 in the VMC Archives. Editor Andy Leggott reports on Stuart Pearce's capture of a little known goalkeeper from Shrewsbury Town...

Hart Pumps Young Blood Into City
by Andy Leggott

22 May 2006

In perhaps something of a surprise move, Stuart Pearce's first entry into the summer transfer window has captured the signature of Shrewsbury Town's hot young goalkeeper Joe Hart.

With much speculation about who will be coming and going over the next few weeks, I don't suppose many Blues had a new young keeper high on their list of priorities, although City have been trailling Hart for some time.

Perhaps Psycho's admission of missing out on a cut-price deal to sign Theo Walcott may have spurred him into action and make sure another hot, young prospect doesn't 'slip through the net!'

Quite where this leaves Nicky Weaver and Kasper Schmeichel is still unclear, although the arrival of Hart will certainly spice up the competition, initially for the No 2 spot and ultimately the position of first choice keeper which will probably soon be vacated by David James as he nears the end of his top-flight career.

England Under-19 Hart will join for an initial fee of £600,000, which could rise to £1.5million over time. A four year deal has been agreed subject to a successful medical scheduled for next week.

VMC Archives 2006: Hart Pumps Young Blood Into City

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.