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Alan Smith

Alan Smith made his Leeds United debut as a substitute against Liverpool and schowed off his skill by scoring with his first touch of a football. That goal helped him become a regular for Leeds where he was often preferred as the main strike partner for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Smith continued to play for Leeds throughout their progression. In 2001 he helped his club through the Champions League, they eventually reached the semi finals before being eliminated by Valencia. The following season saw Smith moved into midfield as manager David O'Leary tried to accomodate new signings. Smith also made his England debut in this year but failed to make the World Cup squad for the 2002 world cup.

In May 2004 when Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League, Smith ended his Leeds career. With Leeds continuous financial difficulties he would have to be sold. Smith ended his final game by crying and kissing the Leeds United badge on his shirt, however, days later he would be labelled a traitor as he transferred to Leeds fierce rivals Manchester United.

Alan started his Manchester United career on 8th August 2004 when he scored in the Community Shield against Arsenal with a swerving volley in the 55th minute, although Manchester United would lose 3-1. He developed a trait of scoring goals from both long range and poacher style.

Injuries hampered his time at Manchester United and he missed out on winners medals as a result. Alan was unable to play in the FA Cup final in his first year. As the season ended there was speculation about Alans future, but in 2005 it emerged that Sir Alex Ferguson was trying to groom Smith as a successor to Roy Keane in central midfield and when Keane got injured Alan had a prolonged run in holding midfield.

Smith then earnt a place in the hearts of Manchester United fans by rejecting and England call up to work on his fitness with the clubs reserve side, however, the next season during an FA Cup encounter with Liverpool he dislocated his leg and broke his ankle while trying to block a John Arne Riise free kick. Ferguson described the injury as "the worst he has ever seen".

At the end of the season when Manchester United won the Carling Cup following a 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic the Manchester United players received their medals and the trophies while wearing white t-shirts with the words "For You Smudge".

The next season with the sale of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ferguson stated he planned to restore Alan as a centre forward to partner Wayne Rooney. He made his comeback in a Champions League victory of Benfica. During November 2006, Leeds manager Dennis Wise stated his wish to bring back Alan on loan with Ferguson saying he would allow Smith to go on loan to help his fitness.

Smith made his first start since his injury in March 2007 whe Manchester United defeated Middlesbrough 4-1, that season he also played in Manchester Uniteds 7-1 win over AS Roma and won the Premier League. Alan, however , was one game short of the ten game minimum required to receive a medal. He was, though, granted special dispensation and awarded a medal.

Despite his loyalty and committment to Manchester United he was allowed to move on in the summer of 2007 with Manchester United accepting a £6million bid from Newcastle. He made his Newcastle debut in a friendly against Sampdoria and scored the only goal of the game.

Alan has played mainly in a defending midfield role under Sam Allardyce at Newcastle, however, when Kevin Keegan returned to the club and with Obafemi Martins away on international duty he was restored to the attacking line.

During January 2008, ALan made his return to Old Trafford, unfortunately Newcastle were defeated 6-0 and Smith was sent off for dissent after arguing that a Carlos Tevez goal had not crossed the line.

Info

Full name: Alan Smith
DOB: 28th October 1980
Place of Birth: Leeds, England
Height: 5ft 10in
Position: Striker
Signed from: Manchester United
Date signed: 2nd August 2007
Debut: 11th August 2007 v Bolton Wanderers

Facts

Alan is a Premier League winner with Manchester United.

At Newcastle, Alan is linking up with Mark Viduka and James Milner, who he played with at Leeds United.

Smith briefly captained Newcastle when regular captain Geremi was playing at the African Cup of Nations.