Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980)

english football player

Alan Smith ( bear 28 October 1980 ) is an english football bus and retired professional football player who last played for Notts County. He has besides represented the England national team, winning 19 caps. Smith was known for his aggressive on lurch brain and high bid stylus of football. Smith first base came to prominence as both a striker and a right winger during his early days at Leeds United ; however, after moving to Manchester United he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in a match against Liverpool, whereupon director Sir Alex Ferguson converted him to a holding midfielder, a role in which he continued after his transmit to Newcastle United. Smith has earned a reputation as a hard-tackling player and is noted for his high work rate.

Reading: Alan Smith (footballer, born 1980)

He had a short spell as caretaker coach of Notts County in 2017, but former reverted to the character of player-coach after the appointment of Kevin Nolan as coach .

early life sentence [edit ]

Smith was born and brought up in Rothwell, West Yorkshire, where he attended Rodillian School .

Club career [edit ]

Leeds United [edit ]

Smith started his career with Leeds and scored in his first-team debut against Liverpool, aged 18. He went on to become an undisputed first-choice, as the slope consolidated on domestic and european fronts, reaching the semi-finals of the 2000–01 Champions League. Smith was depart of an unsavory agate line that included Michael Bridges and australian Mark Viduka. His elder FA Premier League debut was as a alternate for Leeds United against Liverpool at Anfield, where he displayed his natural marking ability by scoring with his first shoot of the game, three minutes after coming off the bench. [ 2 ] That goal helped propel him into the 1998–99 English football season, as he was one-half of coach David O’Leary ‘s first-choice striker pair, along with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Smith continued his run in the Leeds side, as the club began to grow in stature. He showed his classify in 2001 while helping to lead the Leeds slope through the Champions League, though his experience ended on a sourness note as he was sent off in the semi-final. The follow season saw Smith switched to the right of midfield, his versatility being utilised by O’Leary, as the Leeds United coach tried to accommodate newfangled signings. 2001 besides saw Smith ‘s break into the England national football team police squad. An England youth international at multiple levels, Smith made his elder England debut in May 2001. He did not make the final examination dilute for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and accepted a situation with the England Under-21 side. He scored four goals in a UEFA Cup tie at Hapoel Tel Aviv in November 2002. [ 3 ] He signed a new three-and-a-half class contract with Leeds in February 2003. [ 4 ] A hometown champion for supporters of Leeds United, Smith won the “ Supporter ‘s Player of the year ” award two years running between 2003 and 2004—a first in the club ‘s history. Though his finish reckoning was not excellent by any means, his willingness to play any function on the gear and his indefatigable efforts to save “ The Whites ” from relegation was greatly appreciated by the Leeds fans. Leeds ‘ delegating in May 2004 saw Smith kissing the badge on his shirt and cry at what would be his last pit for the club. His transfer to bitter rivals Manchester United, however, led to controversy. His passing was marred by accusations of perfidy, and in the space of a day he went from hero to villain in the eyes of some Leeds fans ; this was despite the fact that club had publicly stated that they could not afford to pay his wages, that they were open to offers for him, and that no other club had registered an concern. Due to the fiscal difficulties at Leeds, Smith chose to waive the personal transfer fee owed to him by the club. This did not stop some Leeds fans from feeling betrayed, and they held up banners in subsequent games that compared Smith to Judas. It has since been revealed by Peter Lorimer that the entirely club Leeds would allow Smith to join was Manchester United, and that Leeds had in fact engineered the move. With Manchester United being the only cabaret offering the request money up-front, rather of on an installment footing ( as offered by Everton and Newcastle United ), and with Leeds facing administration, Smith faced allowing Leeds to go into presidency or joining Leeds ‘ bitter rivals. [ 5 ] however, Smith had earlier gone on record saying he would never play for Manchester United. [ 6 ]

manchester United [edit ]

Smith train with Manchester United in 2004 As Leeds were relegated at the end of the 2003–04 season, Smith joined Manchester United for £7 million. [ 7 ] The second chapter of his career began on 8 August 2004, in the Community Shield clash against Arsenal, scoring for the club with a swerving volley in the fifty-fifth minute, as United lost 3–1. He scored his first league finish against Norwich City, scoring the winning goal with a “ stunning fusillade ” in the 49th minute, having earlier setting up a goal for David Bellion. [ 8 ] An wound hampered his first season, causing him to miss out on significant matches such as the League Cup semi-final against Chelsea and the 2005 FA Cup Final against Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium, which Manchester United lost on penalties. The advancing scored 10 goals overall in his beginning season, but, with Wayne Rooney in dear form and Ruud vanguard Nistelrooy back in the team after injury, was relegated to the workbench. In the summer of 2005, it emerged that Manchester United director 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 situation. ” [ 9 ] Smith got his opportunity to prove his credentials as a successor for Keane when the Manchester United captain was injured early in the 2005–06 season. Smith began a elongated run in the midfield ‘anchor ‘ function, with little effectiveness. The criticism aimed at Smith and his teammates reached its bill with United ‘s 4–1 get the better of away to Middlesbrough and the subsequent 1–0 get the better of to Lille in the Champions League. [ 10 ] Smith was believed to be one of several Manchester United stars who were heavily criticised by Keane, in an MUTV interview that was thought besides explosive to be aired and consigned to the cutting room floor by cabaret officials. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] It seemed that Smith ‘s performance in the crucial home meet against league leaders Chelsea would be meticulously scrutinised in the inner light of Keane ‘s damnatory words. Smith responded in determined fashion, his operation in the 1–0 succeed resulting in The Guardian naming him as the man of the match. [ 13 ] He scored only one goal in 33 appearances in 2005–06, in a 3–1 aside win over Charlton Athletic. [ 14 ] On 18 February 2006, during a 1–0 get the better of by Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup, Smith broke his stage 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 ”. [ 15 ] Reports at the clock claimed Liverpool fans attacked Smith ‘s ambulance as it left Anfield, [ 16 ] but Smith has since refuted these claims. [ 17 ] He had an operation the future day, after which it was estimated that he would be out of the game for around nine months. [ 18 ] A week late, Manchester United beatnik Wigan Athletic 4–0 in the League Cup final. After the match, Manchester United ‘s players paid tribute to Smith by collecting the trophy in T-shirts printed with the words “ For you Smudge ” ( Smith ‘s nickname ). [ 19 ] ahead of the 2006–07 season, Ferguson sold Van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid and said he intended to replace him by returning Smith to his natural centre-forward place : “ We are going to convert Alan Smith rear into being a forward. He will be back in train soon and should be available by the end of August or the begin of September. ” [ 20 ] After three appearances for the reserves in August 2006, [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] Smith returned to the Manchester United first team in September 2006, first as an unused ersatz in the 3–2 base acquire over Celtic in the Champions League on 13 September, [ 24 ] before taking the plain for the last five minutes of the 1–0 away win over Benfica two weeks late. [ 25 ] Smith made his first base begin for eight months in Manchester United ‘s 2–1 away win over Crewe Alexandra in the fourth beat of the League Cup. [ 26 ] however, he was still not in full match-fit and made alone one substitute appearance in the following four months. As he continued his prepare, both Cardiff City and early club Leeds United expressed an matter to in signing Smith on loan, but he said he intended to fight for his put in the Manchester United team. [ 27 ] Smith returned to action again in the second leg of the Champions League turn of 16 tie against Lille on 7 March 2007, coming on for goalscorer Henrik Larsson in the 75th moment of the 1–0 succeed. [ 28 ] He made his first begin at Old Trafford since his wound on 14 March in a friendly against a Europe eleven to commemorate 50 years since the sign of the Treaty of Rome. His first competitive get down at Old Trafford, however, came on 19 March 2007 in an FA Cup quarter-final replay win over Middlesbrough. [ 29 ] After a succession of games in which he was either a alternate or substituted himself, Smith played the full 90 minutes of Manchester United ‘s Champions League quarter-final second leg at home to Roma on 10 April 2007 as Manchester United won 7–1 ; he scored Manchester United ‘s second goal in the 17th minute, his first goal since November 2005. [ 30 ] He was then named in the starting line-up against Manchester City on 5 May 2007 ; United won the game 1–0 [ 31 ] and were crowned league champions a day late, when Chelsea were held to a 1–1 draw at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. [ 32 ] Despite falling one game shortstop of the 10 appearances needed to qualify for a Premier League achiever ‘s decoration, the league granted extra dispensation for Smith to receive a decoration on the stopping point day of the season. [ 33 ] He made his end competitive appearance for Manchester United a week later in the 2007 FA Cup Final against Chelsea, the first concluding played at the modern Wembley Stadium, coming on for Darren Fletcher in the second gear hour of supernumerary time. [ 34 ]

newcastle United [edit ]

Smith applauding Newcastle supporters Smith appeared in all four games of Manchester United ‘s pre-season enlistment of the Far East, but on 2 August 2007, Newcastle United confirmed they had reached an agreement to sign Smith for around £6 million. The distribute was confirmed on 3 August, with Smith moving to Newcastle on a five-year contract. [ 35 ] He scored the winning goal on his introduction for the Magpies, in a 1–0 friendly victory against Sampdoria. however, the hitter struggled to establish himself at Newcastle in his first season, failing to score a league goal. His advancement next season was hampered by tension fracture of the ankle sustained in the pre-season, meaning it took until February 2009 before he played in a competitive regular by coming on as a alternate against Everton. Despite the comeback, Smith was relegated for the second gear meter in his career as Newcastle lost by a single goal to Aston Villa. [ 36 ] Again, he finished the season without a goal. In the summer of 2009, Smith played against his former club Leeds United in a pre temper friendly at St James Park, the match was the first time he had played against Leeds since leaving the cabaret for biting rivals Manchester United, [ 37 ] his every reach was booed throughout the game by Leeds fans and he was heavy booed when he was substituted. [ citation needed ] Smith was made vice-captain for the 2009–10 temper, but captained the team in about every game due to Chris Hughton ‘s preference of Smith to first choice captain Nicky Butt. Smith has been a regular feature, but in a much deeper character acting as a central defensive midfielder. [ 38 ] Despite playing regularly as a deep lie down midfielder, he lost his home after the January transfer window with the arrival of Wayne Routledge and Danny Guthrie ‘s excellent class in central midfield. To allow two strikers up front in the form of Peter Løvenkrands and Andy Carroll for more games, Smith was dropped to accommodate. Newcastle won promotion to the Premier League. Smith started Newcastle ‘s first four Premier League games due to the injury of Danny Guthrie, Smith partnered Joey Barton for the 3–0 loss to erstwhile club Manchester United, the 6–0 victory over Aston Villa, the 1–1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and the 2–0 loss to Blackpool. He lost his place to fresh signing Cheick Tioté and the arrival of Hatem Ben Arfa. Smith was given time in the Football League Cup, where Chris Hughton gave young players and fringe players such as himself, Ryan Taylor and Peter Løvenkrands a prospect. Alan Smith served a lot of bench duty with Cheick Tioté cementing his locate as the inform defensive midfielder. Smith saw a return to action in Newcastle ‘s 3–1 cup kill to Stevenage on 8 January 2011. [ 39 ] With Tioté suspended for three games following his sending-off in the like game, Smith started in Newcastle ‘s 1–1 bowler hat draw with Sunderland, but came off after half an hour with an hurt ankle. It was late confirmed it would rule Smith out for the rest of the season. [ 40 ] After returning to broad coach in April, it was reported by assistant coach John Carver that he would be in controversy to start Newcastle ‘s penult fixture to Chelsea with the club probable to rest Cheick Tioté to save him from a 3 match prohibition. [ 41 ] On 7 June 2011, Smith was notified by the Newcastle management that his services would no long be required, and he was exempt to leave the club. On 8 June 2011, Leeds United president Ken Bates revealed that he was not ruling out a go to acquire Smith subject to his wage demands and seaworthiness. [ 42 ] After being made available for transfer, Smith was linked with a move to his former club Leeds United with Leeds coach Simon Grayson confirming his sake in the player. [ 43 ] He was released by Newcastle United on 1 June 2012. [ 44 ]

Milton Keynes Dons [edit ]

On 29 January 2012, Smith joined Milton Keynes Dons on loanword until the conclusion of the season. [ 45 ] His first appearance was as a 50th-minute alternate for Adam Chicksen on 31 January 2012 in a League One game against Sheffield Wednesday. The plot ended as a 1–1 draw. [ 46 ] He made his first start for the club on 4 February 2012, playing 66 minutes of the 1–1 tie against Huddersfield Town, before being replaced by Jabo Ibehre. [ 47 ] On 23 February 2012, Smith completed his first full 90 minutes for the Dons in the 2–1 win against Bury. The winning goal of the game came as a solution of a penalty which Smith won precisely before half-time, after he was fouled by Bury goalkeeper Cameron Belford before Dean Bowditch punctually converted the spot-kick. [ 48 ] On 21 April, he scored his first goal in five years, in a 1–0 win against Sheffield United. [ 49 ] On 15 May 2012 he came on as a substitute for MK Dons in the League One play-off semi-final against Huddersfield Town scoring with a dive header in injury time. On 31 May 2012, it was reported that MK Dons coach Karl Robinson had opened talks with Smith ‘s representatives over a permanent wave move to the club. [ citation needed ] Smith made 18 appearances after joining the clubhouse from Newcastle United in belated January, scoring two goals in the serve. The move was completed on 10 July, with Smith signing a biennial condense. [ 50 ] Smith has taken control of MK Dons XI sides in the Berks & Bucks Cup, aboard former coach Ian Wright, vitamin a well as featuring in the unfamiliar place of center back for a game. On 16 May 2014 Smith was released from the club along with three other players .

Notts County [edit ]

Smith signed for Notts County on a annual sign in 2014 as a player-coach. [ 51 ] He signed a new annual deal in May 2015. [ 52 ] He had a short go as caretaker coach of Notts County in 2017, [ 53 ] but later reverted to the role of player-coach after the appointment of Kevin Nolan as coach. [ 54 ] He was released by Notts County at the end of the 2017–18 season. [ 55 ]

International career [edit ]

An England young external at multiple levels, Smith was called into the England police squad for the friendly against Italy in November 2000, but late withdrew in order to rest. [ 56 ] He finally 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 against Portugal in September 2002, being set up by Leeds teammate Lee Bowyer. In a Euro 2004 modifier against Macedonia in October 2002, he received his first base international bolshevik card from a moment chicken card after a harness on Aleksandar Vasoski [ 57 ] In August 2005, Smith drew some criticism after withdrawing from the England police squad to play Denmark ( a bet on England lost 4–1 ) in order to play for the Manchester United reserves. [ 58 ] After a prolong absence from external football, Smith was called up for an England B match on 26 May 2007, against Albania. He scored the first finish of the plot which ended in a 3–1 win. [ 59 ] The following day he was named in the senior team to confront Brazil, on 1 June 2007. [ 60 ]

Post-playing career [edit ]

As of December 2020, Smith lives in the Orlando, Florida sphere working with male and female youngsters as a coach at the XL Soccer World Academy. [ 61 ]

career statistics [edit ]

cabaret [edit ]

As of match played 12 May 2018[62][63]

International [edit ]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team
Year
Apps
Goals

England[64]

2001

3
0

2002

3
1

2004

7
0

2005

3
0

2007

3
0

Total
19
1

International goals [edit ]

England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Smith goal.[65]

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition

No.

Date

Venue

Cap

Opponent

Score

Result

Competition

7 September 2002
Villa Park, Birmingham, England
4
Portugal
1–0
1–1
Friendly

managerial statistics [edit ]

As of match played 7 January 2017

Managerial record by team and tenure

Team

Nat

From

Record

Notts County (caretaker)[66]

3 January 2017

12 January 2017

1
0
0
1
1
4

−3

00 0.00

Total