Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980)

For other people named Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980), see Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980) (disambiguation).

Alan Smith

Personal information
Full name	Alan Smith
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s)	Attacking midfielder/Striker
Team information
Current team	Manchester United
Number	14
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 00:24, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Alan Smith (born 28 October 1980) is an English football player, born in Rothwell. He has played centre-forward for most of his career. He formerly played for Leeds United and now plays for Manchester United.

Career

Leeds United

His senior Premiership debut was as a substitute for Leeds vs. Liverpool at Anfield, where he displayed his natural scoring ability by scoring with his first touch of the ball. That goal helped propel him into the 1998-99 season, as he was one-half of manager David O'Leary's first-choice striker pairing, along with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Smith continued his run through the Leeds side, as the club began to grow in stature. Smith showed his class in 2001 while helping to lead the Leeds side through the much vaunted Champions League, though his experience ended on a sour note as he was sent off in the semi final. The following season saw Alan relegated to the midfield, his versatility working against him, as O'Leary tried to accommodate new signings. 2001 was also the year for Smith's break into the England squad. An England youth international at multiple levels, Smith made his senior England debut in May 2001. Alan did not make the final cut for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and accepted a starring role with the England Under-21 side.

A hometown hero and a teen idol for supporters of hometown club Leeds, Smith was the poster boy for the club for the 2002-2004 seasons, winning the "Supporter's Player of the Year" award two years running, a first in Leeds' history, as Smithy was one of their own (at the time). Though his goal tally was not excellent by any means, his willingness to play any role on the pitch and his tireless efforts to save "the Whites" from relegation for two seasons was met with love from his adoring public. This constant relentless workrate in the name of his hometown club caused him to pick up the nickname "Smudger" (arguably this could also be due to the fact that Smudge is a common nickname for English people who have the surname Smith) from the Leeds fans. Smith also caused controversy in the 2004 season when, in a League Cup game against Manchester United, he threw a bottle in the crowd after it was thrown on the field, incidentally hitting his best friend's sister. This incident landed Smith in hot water with his club and the FA.

The No. 17 shirt bearer, Smith announced his desire to leave Leeds due to relegation in May 2004, ending his Leeds career by kissing the badge and crying at his last match. His transfer to bitter rivals Manchester United, however, led to controversy and his exit was marred by accusations of treachery going from hero to villain from the view of Leeds fans in the space of a day. Leeds fans were not angry at Alan for leaving to further his England prospects and fully understood this. Their anger was at him going to the club most hated by Leeds fans. Smith chose to waive his personal transfer fee owed to him by Leeds United who had financial difficulties at the time. Some Leeds fans held up banners in the following games, which proclaimed Alan Smith as "Judas", to reflect how he had seemingly "betrayed" them.

Manchester United

Smith started the second chapter of his career on August 8, 2004 at the Community Shield clash against Arsenal, netting for the "Red Devils" with a swerving volley in the 55th minute. Smith has impressed at Old Trafford since his arrival, with several prominent former players hailing him as something akin to the next Mark Hughes. Despite only being at the club for a few months, he developed a fearsome reputation for both long-ranged strikes such as his strikes against Arsenal and Norwich City, and more intelligent, "poacher"-type goals, akin to those crafted by Ruud van Nistelrooy, such as the double against Dinamo Bucureşti in the UEFA Champions League.

An injury hampered his first season, causing him to miss out on several matches including the Carling Cup semi-final against Chelsea. He missed out in the FA Cup final against Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium as Manchester United lost out to penalties in the game. As the 2004-05 season ended rumours were rife about Smith's future, despite Smith saying he wanted to continue at United for his entire career. The forward scored 10 goals in his first season at Old Trafford. However, with Wayne Rooney in sparkling form and Ruud van Nistelrooy back in the team after injury, Smith was relegated to the bench. However, he remained a fans' favourite.

In the summer of 2005 it emerged that Manchester United manager, Sir 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." 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. However, as United began to stutter in the absence of several senior players, the midfield came under heavy flak from fans and pundits alike, and it was questioned whether Smith was cut out for the vital midfield role he was being asked to play. These criticisms 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 Roy 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. Here, the fans got another glimpse of his commitment to the club, which is regarded almost as highly as anything else amongst supporters.

He had only one goal in the 2005-2006 season, that came in a 3-1 away win over Charlton Athletic at The Valley. On February 18, during a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup, Alan broke his leg and dislocated his ankle while attempting to block a free-kick from Liverpool's John Arne Riise, an injury described by Sir Alex 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. A number of Liverpool fans attacked the ambulance during its departure from the scene, something which was widely condemned. In response to this injury, some Leeds United fans at the Leeds United vs Leicester City match which took place on the same day sang ridiculing and derogatory remarks about Alan.

On the next day it was confirmed that Smith would miss action for at least 12 months. Although 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 Wayne 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." There was however, a small consolation for Smith and his club when United beat Wigan Athletic 4-0 in the Carling cup final of the same season. United players toasted, with T-shirts emblazoned with "For you Smudge", in homage to Smith and his horrific end to the 2005-06 season.

In the build up to the 2006-07 season Sir Alex Ferguson was quoted saying that he planned to replace the departing Ruud van Nistelrooy by returning Alan Smith to his natural position on 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."

On 26 September 2006 Smith made a heroic return as a substitute in the 85th minute of the 1-0 Champions League victory over S.L. Benfica at the Estadio da Luz, immediately showing the passion he still has for the game by making a couple of crunching tackles in the 5 minute cameo appearance. He currently wears the number 14 shirt.

On 10 November 2006, Leeds United boss Dennis Wise revealed he was interested in bringing Smith back to Elland Road. 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 and Aston Villa seemingly keen on the player. 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 Sir Alex Ferguson's first team. Sir Alex Ferguson himself voiced his desire to have Alan back at top fitness, stating that he was undergoing special training in order to aid and speed his recovery. On Friday 22 December 2006, reports suggested Smith may be the subject of a £6 million pound transfer to Everton, however, this was quickly denied by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who also revealed Alan's fitness had greatly improved.

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 March 19th, 2007 in an FA Cup quarter-final replay win against Middlesbrough. His 70 minute run-out will be a relief for Ferguson, who has Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjær on the treatment table and has seen Henrik Larsson return to Helsingborg. He also made a substitute appearance in the English Premier League game against Bolton Wanderers and set up the 4th goal in United's 4-1 win. He made further impact in United's 7-1 demolition of Roma in the Champions League quarter-final on April 10th 2007, scoring the second goal of the night with an excellently-controlled shot from the edge of the box after a fluid passing movement involving Gabriel Heinze and Ryan Giggs. On April 14th 2007, Manchester United demolished Watford and stormed into the FA CUP final to be played at the new Wembley stadium. Alan Smith's deadly passing and assists in the game was lauded by Sir Alex who said "Alan Smith has brought a breath of fresh life to the team. He is doing fantastically for us".

Trivia

As a youngster Alan Smith was a keen BMX racer and at the age of 8 was the British Champion but chose to give that up in favour of playing football.

In the August/September 2006 edition of Leeds, Leeds, Leeds (a bi-monthly magazine for Leeds United fans) Alan was voted as the 3rd player Leeds fans would most like Leeds United to sign proving that some of the hatred towards Alan has subsided in some sections of the Elland Road faithful.

Alan Smith is nicknamed 'Smudger', a common name for people who's surname is Smith. His Manchester United teamates famously dedicated their 2006 Carling Cup win to Alan Smith by wearing shirts saying "For You Smudge" as they collected their winners medals.

Alan Smith is a fan of the Scottish team Rangers.

Career stats

International

• As of 14 November 2005 Smith has played for England 16 times, and has scored 1 international goal.

International Career Table

National Team	Year	Total
		Appearances	Goals
England National Team	2005	3	0
	2004	7	0
	2002	3	1
	2001	3	0
Career Totals		16	1

Club

All-Time Club Performance

Club	Season	FA premier League		Domestic Cups		European Competition		Total
		App	Goals	App	Goals	App	Goals	App	Goals
Leeds United	1998-99	22	7	3	2	-	-	25	9
	1999-00	26	4	5	1	8	1	39	6
	2000-01	33	11	3	0	16	7	52	18
	2001-02	23	4	3	0	5	1	31	5
	2002-03	33	3	4	1	6	5	43	9
	2003-04	35	9	3	0	-	-	38	9
	Total	172	38	21	4	35	14	228	56
Manchester United	2004-05	30	6	6	2	5	2	41	10
	2005-06	21	1	3	0	8	0	32	1
	2006-07	5	0	4	0	4	1	13	1
	Total	56	7	13	2	17	3	85	12
Career Totals		228	45	34	6	52	17	313	68

External links

• TheFA.com profile
• FootballDatabase career stats
• Alan Smith at Soccerbase