Joe Hart back to Shropshire roots as VIP guest
England Number 1 Joe Hart returned to his Shropshire roots among VIP guests who turned out to mark 90 years of football in the county.
The Manchester City keeper was quick to lavish praise on the Shropshire Schools and Colleges FA, of which he is a patron, for its work promoting competitive youth football in the county.
The former Meole Brace school pupil took his first steps towards the professional game playing for the county teams, as did West Brom team-mates Billy Jones and Boaz Myhill.
The trio, who have all gone on to earn international honours, joined teachers, SSCFA officials and guests to celebrate the landmark at Shrewsbury's Lord Hill Hotel.
Wales keeper Myhill and former Shrewsbury midfielder and current Newtown manager Bernard McNally were the latest Shropshire-produced footballing stars to join Hart and Jones in the association's Hall of Fame.
Hart recalled his exploits for a Shropshire under-18s team in an English schools festival in 2003 when he was 16.
"When I was a lad, goalkeeper wasn't the main position, but I found I was better at it than everyone else and enjoyed playing in goal for Shropshire schools," said the 28-cap star.
Jones, who emerged through the ranks at Crewe at the same time Hart was breaking into Shrewsbury's firsts, is now an ambassador for coaching events.
"It was massive for me playing for Shropshire Schools. It helped me earn a trial at Crewe where I signed for the club's academy," recalled the defender.
