Michael Hart joined the club from Aberdeen just before deadline day of the January transfer window in 2008 for a fee in the region of £100,000, having signed a three-and-a-half year deal.

Born in North Lanarkshire on 10^th February 1980, Hart made his professional debut for Aberdeen in 1998 against Dunfermline Athletic. After moving on loan to Livingston in 2000, the defender's move was made permanent in July 2001. Hart then returned to Aberdeen in 2003, where he then established himself in the side.

Hart was a regular in Aberdeen's starting line-up last season, helping the club finish third in the Scottish Premier League.

During a tour of Egypt with Aberdeen in the summer of 2007, Hart, along with former team-mate Jamie Smith, was in a potentially serious car crash. Fortunately, both players managed to come out of the collision without any serious injuries.

After spending ten years plying his trade in his native Scotland, Hart has gained a reputation north of the border as a fleet-footed and quick-tackling right back, and North End fans will be hoping that he can settle in to the English game with similar success.