Joe Hart lands shock new role at his former side for one game only – two years after ruling out possibility of going into coaching as ‘it’s not ingrained’ in him
Joe Hart has returned to his boyhood side Shrewsbury Town as goalkeeper coach for one night only.
The former England, Man City and Celtic stopper retired from playing two years ago and was pictured giving a helping hand on Tuesday evening ahead of their game against Salford City in League Two.
Shrewsbury’s official X account posted a picture and clip of the 38-year-old on the pitch at Peninsula Stadium.
‘Salop and Man City legend, Joe Hart, is our goalkeeper coach for tonight’s game’, they wrote.
He was seen putting goalkeepers Matt Cox and Will Brook through their paces prior to kick-off and appeared to be relishing the chance to assist.
Manager Gavin Cowan explained to the Shropshire Star: ‘It’s nothing more simple than a mate trying to help mates out.
‘I have spoken to Joe recently when I got appointed. Dave was in dialogue with him and we have been speaking about how just sometimes appointments take a bit of time.
‘We were picking Joe’s brains on goalkeeper situations and it’s just a mate wanting to help mates.
‘He offered to come down and be a part of what we are doing. It is just another confirmation of the class act that he is.
‘He is a very humble guy and has stayed very grounded after having a lot of professional success over the years. Personally he is a fantastic guy. He’s not too far away – I know he is a busy guy – but it has still taken a lot to be here.
‘But it was the first thing that he wanted to do – “can I offer my help and expertise”‘.
The club do not have a permanent goalkeeper coach at present after Brian Jensen left.
Hart has taken up punditry in his post-playing career, seen regularly on screen for the BBC.
He previously admitted he has little interested in pursuing a coaching career but is still passionate about goalkeeping and happy to lend a hand when needed.
Joe Hart was present for Shrewsbury Town as a goalkeeping coach for one night only
In a previous column for BBC Sport, he wrote: ‘I haven’t taken any coaching badges, which was a deliberate decision. For some people, coaching or managing is the obvious option when they stop playing, but it is not something that has ever been ingrained in me.
‘I still want to give something back, though. I am not a goalkeeper anymore but I love to talk about the art of goalkeeping, as well as how it has changed so much in my time – and how it keeps on evolving.’
Hart will be hoping his presence can make an impact on his old side, who are 17th in League Two at time of writing.
