Alan Smith

Alan Smith
Rsz Alansmith 20040727.jpg
Personal information
Full name Alan Smith
Date of birth 28 October 1980 (1980-10-28) (age 28)
Place of birth    Rothwell, England
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position Striker, centre midfielder
Club information
Current club Newcastle United
Number 17
Youth clubs
1997–1998 Leeds United
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
1998–2004
2004–2007
2007–		 Leeds United
Manchester United
Newcastle United		 172 (38)
061 0(7)
033 0(0)   
National team2
1999–2001
2007
2001–2007		 England U21
England B
England		 010 0(3)
001 0(1)
019 0(1)

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of 00:15, 31 August 2008 (UTC).
2 National team caps and goals correct
as of 00:00, 31 August 2008 (UTC).
* Appearances (Goals)

Alan Smith (born 28 October 1980) is an English professional footballer, currently playing for Newcastle United. Mainly a striker, he can also play as a central midfielder.

Contents

Club career

Leeds

Born in Rothwell, Leeds, West Yorkshire, Smith started his career with Leeds United and made his first team debut against Liverpool, aged 18, also netting in that match. He went on to become an undisputed first-choice, as the side consolidated in the domestic and European fronts, reaching the semifinals of the 2000-01 Champions League. Smith was part of a formidable offensive line that included Michael Bridges and Australian Mark Viduka.

Manchester United

As Leeds were relegated at the end of 2003-04, Smith joined Manchester United for £7 million. The second chapter of his career began on 8 August 2004, in the Community Shield clash against Arsenal, netting for the club with a swerving volley in the 55th minute, as United lost 3-1. Early on in his spell at Old Trafford, Smith developed a fearsome reputation for both long-ranged strikes (Arsenal and Norwich City) and more intelligent, "poacher"-type goals, akin to those crafted by Ruud van Nistelrooy, such as the double against FC Dinamo Bucureşti in the Champions League.

An injury hampered his first season, causing him to miss out on several matches including the Carling Cup semi-final against Chelsea FC. He missed out in the FA Cup final against Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium, as Manchester United lost on penalties. The forward scored 10 goals overall in his first season, but, with Wayne Rooney in sparkling form and Van Nistelrooy back in the team after injury, was relegated to the bench.

In the summer of 2005 it emerged that Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson, was grooming Smith as a successor to Roy Keane in the Manchester United midfield. Ferguson stated: "Roy sees characteristics in Alan that he saw in himself as a young player, which could help Alan develop into a very good player in that position."[1]Smith got his chance to prove his credentials as a replacement for Keane when the United skipper was injured early on in the 2005-06 season. Smith began a prolonged run in the midfield 'anchor' role, with little effectiveness. The criticism aimed at Smith and his team-mates reached its nadir with United's embarrassing 4-1 capitulation away to Middlesbrough and the subsequent 1-0 defeat to Lille OSC in the Champions League. Smith was believed to be one of several United stars who were heavily criticised by Keane, in an MUTV interview that was thought too explosive to be aired and consigned to the cutting room floor by club officials. It seemed that Smith's performance in the crucial home match against league leaders Chelsea would be meticulously scrutinised in the light of Keane's damning words. Smith responded in determined fashion, giving a much better performance as his side won 1-0.

Smith cemented his place in the hearts of Manchester United fans when he turned down the honourable chance of playing for his country, in order to work on his fitness in his new midfield role, in the reserve squad.

He had only one league goal in 2005-2006, in a 3-1 away win over Charlton Athletic at The Valley. On 18 February, during a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup, Smith broke his leg and dislocated his ankle while attempting to block a free-kick from Liverpool's John Arne Riise, an injury described by Ferguson as "one of the worst I've seen". Despite the rivalry between the two clubs, he was given an ovation by many of the Liverpool fans as he was stretchered off the pitch. However, a number of Liverpool fans attacked the ambulance during its departure from the scene, something which was widely condemned.[2]

In response to this injury, some Leeds fans, in a match against Leicester City which took place on the same day sang ridiculing and derogatory chants about Smith. On the next day it was confirmed that Smith would miss action for at least 12 months. However, in May, after a successful operation on his ankle, it was reported that he would likely be back in action as soon as mid-September; he had been recovering alongside Rooney for several weeks, who was also reported to be making a "miraculous" recovery on a broken foot. "I felt my leg go from under me as I went to block a free-kick", Smith told The Sun. "When I looked down, the leg was lying one way and my ankle was pointing towards Hong Kong so I knew I was in serious trouble."[3]There was however, a small consolation for Smith and his club when United beat Wigan Athletic 4-0 in the league cup final. After the match United players paid tribute to Smith by wearing T-shirts emblazoned with "For you Smudge" (his nickname), in homage to Smith and his horrific injury.

Alan Smith at Manchester United's training ground in 2006.

In the build up to the 2006-07 season, Ferguson was quoted saying that he planned to replace the departing Van Nistelrooy (signed by Real Madrid) by returning Smith to his natural position of centre-forward: "We are going to convert Alan Smith back into being a forward. He will be back in training soon and should be available by the end of August or the beginning of September."[4]

On 26 September 2006 Smith made a return to action as a substitute in the 85th minute of the 1-0 Champions League victory over S.L. Benfica at the Estádio da Luz, immediately showing the passion he still had for the game by making a couple of crunching tackles in the 5 minute cameo appearance.

On 10 November 2006, Leeds United boss Dennis Wise revealed he was interested in bringing Smith back to Elland Road on loan.[5]Ferguson told the press that Cardiff City were also interested and he would let Smith go out on a short-term loan for Smith to regain his fitness. There had also been reported interest from other Premiership and Championship clubs, with Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Aston Villa seemingly keen on the player.[6]This, however, proved to be untrue for Smith, through his agent, Alex Black, publicly announced his wish to remain at Manchester United, and his will to solidify his place in Ferguson's first team.[7]The manager himself voiced his desire to have Smith back at top fitness, stating that he was undergoing special training in order to aid and speed his recovery.[8]

Smith made his comeback for United in a 2006-07 UEFA Champions League first knockout round win against Lille OSC. He made his first start at Old Trafford since his injury on 19 March 2007 in an FA Cup quarter-final replay win against Middlesbrough. He also made a substitute appearance in the Premier League game against Bolton Wanderers and set up the fourth goal in United's 4-1 win.

Since then he played in United's 7-1 demolition of A.S. Roma in which he played a vital part in the game scoring a goal, his first for 18 months. Smith also continued to gain Sir Alex's trust by gaining a place in the starting line up against Manchester City on 5 May 2007. United won the game 1-0 and were crowned league champions a day later, when Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal.

Despite falling one game short of the ten appearances needed to qualify for a Premiership winners medal, the league granted special dispensation for Smith to receive a medal on the last day of the season. This was followed a week later with an FA Cup runners-up medal after the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the first final at the new Wembley.

Newcastle United

Smith applauding Newcastle supporters.

On 2 August 2007, Newcastle United confirmed they had agreed a fee with Manchester United of around £6m for Smith. The deal was confirmed on 3 August, with Smith moving to Newcastle on a five-year contract.[9]He scored the winning goal in his debut for the Magpies, in a 1-0 victory in a friendly against Sampdoria. Famous news website Goal.com referred to smith as a striker-Cum-midfielder , and a "money sapping piece of Dead Wood".[1]

Smith's first season at Newcastle was seen as particularly disappointing. With 37 games in all competitions, he failed to score any goals. He was also sent off against former side Manchester United, during Newcastle's 6–0 league loss at Old Trafford. Smith was deployed in a variety of positions, ranging from a defensive midfielder to a lone targetman, but failed to impress. Poor form and disciplinary problems lost him his place in the team under Kevin Keegan, and the club sought to offload Smith (and several other highly paid players) during the 2008 summer transfer window but no buyer showed interest.[10]

International career

An England youth international at multiple levels, Smith was called into the England for the friendly against Italy in November 2000, but later withdrew in order to rest.[11]

He eventually earned his first cap in May 2001 in a friendly against Mexico, but did not make the final cut for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and continued representing the under-21s.

Smith scored on his full debut aganist Portugal in September 2002, being set up by Leeds team mate Lee Bowyer. After being hailed by the media as a new Alan Shearer, he was sent off against Macedonia.

In 2005, he drew some criticism after withdrawing from the England squad to play Denmark in order to play for the Manchester United reserves.[12] England lost 4-1.

After a prolonged absence from the international scene, Smith was called up for an England B match on 26 May 2007, against Albania. He scored the first goal of the game which ended in a 3-1 win. The next day he was named in the senior team to face Brazil, on 1 June 2007.

Disciplinary problems

Smith has had disciplinary problems throughout his career, and has committed numerous fouls. In total he has been sent off 7 times in the Premier League and has committed 423 fouls in the competition since 2002-03, therefore being the second most prolific fouler in the league behind Kevin Davies (since records of such offences began).[13]

Career statistics

[14]

Club performance League Cup League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
England League FA Cup Football League Cup Europe Total
1998-99 Leeds United Premier League 22 7 4 2 - - 26 9
1999-00 26 4 3 1 1 0 8 1 38 6
2000-01 33 11 2 0 1 0 16 7 52 18
2001-02 22 4 1 0 2 0 5 1 30 5
2002-03 33 3 4 1 - 6 5 44 10
2003-04 34 9 1 0 2 0 - 39 9
2004-05 Manchester United Premier League 31 6 3 0 2 1 5 2 41 9
2005-06 21 1 2 0 2 0 8 0 33 1
2006-07 9 0 3 0 2 0 4 1 18 1
2007-08 Newcastle United Premier League 33 0 2 0 2 0 - 37 0
2008-09
Total England 264 45 25 4 13 2 52 17 354 68
Career Total 264 45 25 4 13 2 52 17 354 68

(Statistics correct as of 20 April 2008)

Honours

Manchester United

References

  1. ↑ Man Utd not planning Ballack bid, BBC Sport, 26 August 2005
  2. ↑ Liverpool supporters condemned for attacking Smith ambulance, The Guardian, 23 February 2006
  3. ↑ Smith describes broken leg agony, BBC Sport, 20 February 2006
  4. ↑ Smith moving forward again, Sportinglife
  5. ↑ I'd love Al, leedsunited.com, 10 November 2006
  6. ↑ Fergie explains Smith loan, Sky Sports, 10 November 2006
  7. ↑ Papers: Smith To Stay Put, Manchester United Official Website, 15 November 2006
  8. ↑ Red's Duo To Resume Training, Manchester United Official Website, 28 November 2006
  9. ↑ "Newcastle seal £6m Smith transfer", BBC Sport (2007-08-03). Retrieved on 2007-08-03. 
  10. ↑ "Toon midfielder sidelined for three months", BBC Sport (2008-09-09). Retrieved on 2008-09-09. 
  11. ↑ "'Sensible' Smith chooses rest", BBC Sport (2000-11-13). Retrieved on 2008-10-25. 
  12. ↑ "Alan Smith: Manchester United community", Talking Reds (2000-02-03). Retrieved on 2008-10-25. 
  13. ↑ Statistics, Premier League official website
  14. ↑ ESPNSoccernet stats

External links

Newcastle United F.C. – current squad

1 Given • 2 Coloccini • 3 José Enrique • 6 Caçapa • 7 Barton • 8 Guthrie • 9 Martins • 10 Owen • 11 Duff • 12 Bassong • 13 Harper • 14 N'Zogbia • 15 González • 17 Smith • 18 Jonás • 19 Xisco • 20 Geremi • 21 Beye • 22 Butt • 23 Ameobi • 27 Taylor • 28 Kádár • 29 Zamblera • 30 Edgar • 31 Danquah • 32 Baheng • 33 Soderberg • 34 Forster • 35 Tozer • 36 Viduka • 37 Morris • 38 LuaLua • 39 Carroll • 41 Doninger • 42 Donaldson • 43 Godsmark • 44 Marwood • 45 Lough • 46 Ranger • Manager: Kinnear
Persondata
NAME Smith, Alan
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Smith, Alan
SHORT DESCRIPTION footballer
DATE OF BIRTH 1980-10-28
PLACE OF BIRTH Leeds, England
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH