JOE Hart could have been opening the batting for England or teeing off in The Open.

That's the view of Adam Smith, the City goalkeeper's former PE teacher, who reckons if he wasn't going to make his name at Eastlands, he might well have done so at Old Trafford.

"He always was head and shoulders above everyone else at almost every sport. He could have done anything he wanted - rugby, tennis, athletics. If he'd decided he wanted to be a golfer, he'd have been a golfer.

"I actually thought he'd be a cricketer because he was a superb fast bowler and batsman."

Smith, who nurtured Hart's prodigious talents during the 21-year-old's five years at Meole Brace School in his hometown of Shrewsbury, has little doubt that his ex-pupil will make it to the pinnacle of the sporting world.

"Shrewsbury Town fans would chant `England's No 1' when Joe was 16... and he will be," he said.

Down-to-earth

"He was a really good kid, an intelligent, down-to-earth lad. "

Smith attributes Hart's level-headed nature to a strong and closely-knit family background.

"His family would always support him whatever he was doing."

Hart was such an all-rounder, and not just in sport, that his peers elected him head boy during his final year at school.

"He took it very seriously," said Smith. "He even starred in the lead role in a school production of Grease - which is something he might not thank me for telling you!"

Hart's journey to the top flight began as a 15-year-old when he was selected in the Shrewsbury Town first-team squad for the first time for a Saturday away game against Exeter City in February 2003.

He moved to City in May 2006 for an initial £600,000.

Interestingly, Hart used to play up front for his school football team.

"He was very direct," laughed Smith, "an out-and-out striker."

CITY have announced details of their annual golf classic that will this year take place at the Marriott Worsley Park on September 1.

The format is the usual team of four players and the cost per team is £600 plus VAT, which includes tea/coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, a souvenir gift bag for each golfer, 18 holes on the championship golf course and prizes for longest drive and nearest the pin.

A car will be on offer for a hole in one at a designated hole. Also included is a prize ceremony and four-course formal evening dinner - dress code lounge suits.

There is also the opportunity to use the hotels leisure facilities throughout the day.

To book your table or for further information, please call the conference and events team on 0870 062 4141 or e-mail conference@mcfc.co.uk.

How near to the finished product do you think Hart is? Have your say.