Newcastle Midfielder Alan Smith has been slated by the fans over the last 3 months for continuously being picked to play but being inconsistent in his game. Ever since owner Mike Ashley attended the match with "Smith" plastered across his back, it has been rumoured that he may have something to do with the selection of the former Leeds player.
Whilst this probably isnt true, what's for sure is that on some occasions of late Smith hasn't exactly proved his worth.
Reflecting on he and his teammates recent performances and the lack of goals and points, Smith told the Newcastle Chronicle:
"It is a time where we have to stand up and be counted, go out in front of 52,000 people and prove our worth.
We've got to show everyone that we want to fight for the cause. We looked at our home games as ones that were winnable and one was against Blackburn.
We've deserved criticism on occasions this season and we're all big enough to accept that.
It's up to us as a team, as players and as people, to sort that out.
The more and more we work together, the more influence the manager is having.
We are getting fitter and there is a camaraderie, and that is something the gaffer has emphasised since he came in.
Everyone is playing for each other and that stands us in good stead."
Newcastle are yet to win a game in 2008, between January 1st and now (March 4th) they have scored just 3 goals in 7 games. Kevin Keegan is currently wishing his side away from the drop zone, but with fixtures such as Liverpool looming this weekend, Newcastle will be lucky to take 3 points.
Despite the lack of goal/points, Keegan's men played an improved game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and were the better team, they were unfortunate to concede a late goal.
Talking of relegation Smith said:
"We are in a relegation battle now.
People might be scared to say it, but I'm not. I've been there before with Leeds United, and I know how difficult it is.
I was relegated at Leeds, and I know how it feels. At times like that you need everyone to go out there with the right attitude, and with the courage to put their bodies on the line.
You saw that from everyone against Blackburn Rovers, and I think we've got enough quality, and a manager who cares enough about this football club, to make sure we steer clear of it.
Everything other than the result was good - you saw from the crowd's reaction.
There have been times this season when we've been criticised, and quite rightly.
We deserved it, but the fans saw a performance of endeavour, commitment and passion. It was good quality at times.
Ninety-nine times out of 100 we would have won that game, but we ended up getting nothing.
We would have been disappointed with a point, and ended up getting nothing.
We've built and built and built since the new gaffer's come in.
Training's been getting better and better, and he's emphasised that we've got to take that on to the field.
That's starting to prove it's worth now. We're building and building, and the gaffer's brought camaraderie into the squad."
I'm a bit tired of hearing it as well. If I were one of the players I wouldn't talk about what we "want and need" to do, nor would I care about a contract at the moment that ends in a years plus time. I would be going out there and playing my @#$%& off for the club who pays me and who I want to stay up in the premier league and to please the fans. Media does do their part but I think a lot of the players today are drama queens and love this type of shite.
Since he is more than likely going to be played this weekend, I hope he uses his past with Manchester and scores against Liverpool with hate for a win. I would love to get some sort of result for this game and I hope since both Owen and Smith will be played that they get something. Torres will be tough marking so I hope our defenders bring their game.
It is not just a question of how many goals he has (hasn't) scored. I appreciate his commitment but .. how many 'assists' can he even claim? But judging by the praise heaped upon him by the past and present manager (e.g. before the Liverpool debacle), it seems he will remain a permanent fixture, regardless. I'm not sure what Martins has to do to prove he should start instead.
I just cant believe Smudger is starting so freely for you lads this season !
Believe me , I'm a die hard Smith fan but hell , he has been absolutely rubbish this rubbish this season. No pace/thrust ( he used to have lil of that ! ) , no invention , no positive intent and absolutely no composure .
He will give you all this pep talk but he won't stay if you go down ! IMO he does not deserve to start after a string of terrible performances . Drop him , get him back to reality and then you would see a different player ( play him up front ffs !! ) ..
I think he needs a few games in the reserves to find some form and a few goals. But it seems some players are 'above' playing in the reserves, unfortunately. I like Smith's wholehearted commitment but I feel a spell out of the side might do him and us some good.
Sorry, Toon Lad Rob, but I can't find where I wrote the word 'career'. Anwyay, I find plenty of spelling mistakes and so on here but I don't bother to write in about them. There are better things to do.
No its just you put he needs a few games in the reserves and I don't think he is even good enough for just a few games. He needs a career in the reserves!
Yes, Toon Lad Rob, sorry I didn't understand your joke at first!
Some interesting statistics on this very site: 2 of our players are 2nd and 3rd in the figures for most yellow cards in the Premiership, while I couldn't see any of our players in the top 25 or so for 'assists'. A concise picture of the woeful season so far? Though if I manage to buy a ticket for the Sunderland game I will go there with as much (and more) enthusiasm than ever before. Strange, isn't it?
The same occurred to me. I can't think of another team in our plight who would persist. Smith always seems to receive the ball with his back to goal and gives away needless free kicks. So our attacks often have no pace, rhythm or surprise. If we lose at Birmingham I really will start to panic. For the time being I am just about keeping my nerves under control.
Over the last four seasons, John O'Shea has scored more goals than Smith.
And if we go down, he'll leave if he can.
His constant selection leads me to question whether Keegan is at all in touch with top-flight football on any level. He's basically been using Sam's selection. Ridiculous.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:11:19:31:11 by tunyc.
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