Morning all.
Alan ‘Smudger’ Smith, perhaps the style of striker Arsenal could do with these days? Tall, dangerous in the air and not too shabby with his feet either. A plan B when plan A isn’t reaping a reward.
The big fella turned to talking about football after enjoying a pretty good playing career. Now, as a pundit, he remains popular amongst Arsenal fans and often discusses Arsenal News. Recently, he’s spoken about about what he misses, why he upset his old club and other times in his career too.
For those far too young to remember him, Alan Smith was one of George Graham’s signings who kicked his Arsenal career off with a hat-trick in August 1987 but then found goals hard to come by for the remainder of the season. However, the following season and beyond, he was pretty good. Rumour has it, the signing of Brian Marwood in 1988 helped his cause.
26th May 1989. One of 23 goals scored that season helped Arsenal win the League although it was Michael Thomas who grabbed the all important winner with just a few minutes left in the game.
1990-91. A second Golden Boot award and another League title. This season included the coming together of Utd and Arsenal players at Old Trafford, a two point deduction because of it and yet we still lifted the big trophy in May. George Graham’s team lost just one game all season.
By now, Kevin Campbell and Ian Wright were on the scene so he had to get used to being dropped occasionally, one occasion being the League Cup Final in 1993. But the following year, he was the hero once more as his goal won Arsenal the European Cup Winners Cup. The following year, he retired after suffering a knee injury.
Alan Smith made 347 appearances and scored 115 goals for Arsenal, a few of which were extremely important ones. He was certainly a better striker than he is pundit. 😆
Lastly, what a fantastic victory for the Arsenal women against Bayern Munich last night and a UK WSL record 21,307 fans were at The Emirates to watch it happen. Frida Maanum scored the first, a stunning goal it was too with Stina Blackstenius getting the second.
With just ten minutes gone, Kim Little, on the break towards go, was fouled. The referee gave nothing but for our captain it was game over. Arsenal could have scored more. Should have scored more, especially the opportunity which fell to Caitlin Foord in the second half. I thoroughly enjoyed the game but the referee was awful. Next up for our women is a semi-final against either PSG or Wolfsburg who play tonight, as do Chelsea and Lyon.
As for the men, three points against Leeds Utd is the aim, but more on that on another day….
Catch up in the comments..
Good morning Rico, we’re dog minding at the moment, so it was walkies for me this morning. Consequently I only just got round to your post.
Smudger as a player was special, as a pundit run of-the-mill is the best I an say. The flat nasal Brummie tones are a turn off for me.
Who would you prefer in the semis Rico, PSG or Wolfsburg?
Morning Cicero, how lovely. Such wonderful pets are our dogs.
I don’t really know much about either but on paper, I’d guess it’d be Wolfsburg. I do worry about the injuries the ladies picked up last night.
It seems that Partey and Tierney trained this morning however no Saliba , so it looks like Holding will be called on again.
Since Smith we have had any number of centre forwards but probably only Giroud came close in style and ability as a plan B a forward of his ilk might well be needed . Maybe Balogun is that man..
As a pundit though ,he tries too hard to be neutral sometimes to the point of appearing anti .
Nice man though I had a long chat with him at Wembley although unlike Parlour , Merson and Groves he didn’t have much salacious to say.
Phew re Tierney and Partey and I’m sure Holding will do just fine. At least I hope so.
Wolfsburg leading 2 – 1 on aggregate approaching half-time.
Wolfsburg it is then. Now I’ll be rooting for Lyon.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65131177
This is eye watering
Lucky Chelsea.. 😀
How can that be allowed… One billion in debt is disgraceful.
22 years ago. Gone but never forgotten David Rocastle….
Saka has been voted Premier League Player of the Month for March.
Morning Rico and all,
Rico 22 years since David Rocastle passed away, how quick time passes by.
Cicero every time I hear someone say to there dog Walkies it reminds of the old tv show wich I believe it was hosted Barbara woodhouse.
To add to Saka’s Player of the month award, Arteta has been voted manager of the month and Ramsdale awarded the save of the month.
Mrs Rosie Lee an assistant in the training ground canteen has been presented with a crystal teapot as recognition for her consistently high quality tea. 😉
Geoff, I have to say that some of the people, and dogs, that I meet while out walking could do with a course of lessons from Barbara W. Both owners and dogs lack any sense of discipline and can be a menace at either end of the lead.
Owners Cicero, it’s always the owners..
New post up