Alan Smith ~ Smudge

[Zenith]

[UFGN]

One of the most underrated and barely discussed player in Arsenal’s history, along with John Lukic

Smith would have been worth an absolute fortune in today’s market, and in this current team, he’d get 25 a season in the league and win us the title

[Gordon Bennit]

I loved Alan Smith. What a selfless player, and, although I've never met him, a seemingly lovely individual. While it may seem old-fashioned or even naive, it's always been important to me that Arsenal players are both footballers and people to be proud of. It's why I will never regret the club 'losing' Ashley Cole, regardless of how good he was.

I was only 9 or 10 when he signed, so I had no knowledge of his Leicester days or whether or not £850,000 was a considerable fee. I just remember, maybe not accurately, the start of the magical 88-89 season where it seemed he and Marwood would be on the scoresheet almost every week. Considering he was 6ft 3, he scored loads of goals with either foot, maybe more than his headers. If anyone encapsulated, 'Great touch for a big man,' then Smudger was that man.

As well as winning the Golden Boot, he scored the key opening goal in the title decider against Liverpool at Anfield. I suppose both goals were key come to think about it, but the 2nd can't happen without the 1st. Liverpool whinged like bitches about it, surrounding the ref in a high pitched frenzy. I never knew what they were complaining about, but the commentators suggested it was either a handball or it had gone in directly from Winterburn. Somehow no one noticed or commentated on the huge mud patch on Smith's face, which was a major indication where the ball had touched him.

Because of Liverpool, we weren't able to explore Europe the next season. I wonder if anyone explored the idea of suing them for lost earnings? Justice and all that.

My cousin took me to Highbury in 1990, March I think, and we beat Everton 1-0 with a lovely left footed finish from 18 yards (I think) from Smith. I'm more than happy for that to be my main memory from my only visit to Highbury.

The next title saw another Golden Boot. If I recall correctly, he took a while to get started but yet again he led the way. A season where we lost our captain for a few months - imagine that. I got the 'Champions' VHS video the next Christmas and he was so down to earth and charming when he talked about how he didn't like taking penalties when there was pressure, but he didn't feel it when scoring the penalty (and a hat-trick) against Man Utd when the title was in the bag. He also seemed quite happy that West Brom had gone down when the team were celebrating after the last match against Everton.

Tony Adams mentioned in 'Addicted' that just as Smith played second foil to Lineker at Leicester, he ended up doing the same for Ian Wright as we basically became a cup team, albeit a successful one but even then, Smith rises to the top yet again. No one gave us a chance against Parma in exactly the same way no one gave us a chance against Liverpool in '89, especially as Ian Wright was suspended. Yet one touch and then a perfect left foot volley from Smudge, combined with monumental defending and a European trophy was in the bag. 31 years and waiting...

His autobiography is an excellent read with moving words about David Rocastle and revealing insights into the end of George Graham's tenure. As a pundit, he continues to speak with intelligence and class. In an age where many pundits are there to tick a box and are either thick as shit or simply inarticulate, he maintains a quiet but definite integrity. You always knew you were never going to read about Alan Smith on the front page of the red-tops and it's not a coincidence that his success made Arsenal successful.

[alexis2015finalgoal]

Giroud's style reminded me of Smudger. But Smith had way more goals than Giroud. Not many strikers in the modern game like Smudger, who were good in the air but also could play on the ground and hold it up. Toney,perhaps, that's it.

[Gordon Bennit]

Absolutely. I can't believe I didn't mention the control from Lee Dixon's pass and then the volleyed pass to Michael Thomas for immortality and 'it's all up for grabs now!'

[UFGN]

One of the highlights of my childhood, and I say that with all sincerity, was meeting the 1989 team aged nine. Smith included, along with Rocastle, Adams, the lot. Had the unbelievable privilege of watching an indoor training session, and felt the power of a Smudger shot when it ricocheted off a wall I was leaning against!