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What Alan Smith Is Doing After His Football Career

What Alan Smith Is Doing After His Football Career

The former Leeds United, Manchester United, MK Dons and Notts County player hung up his boots at the end of last season.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Football is a short career and then one day you can't do it anymore and have to find something else to do with your life. Alan Smith hung up his boots last season and is now moving on with his life.

Alan Smith was once the next bright young thing with a big future for England ahead of him, then he was the man to take over from Roy Keane at Manchester United and finally he finished his career in the lower leagues.

Going from Leeds United to Manchester United the forward managed to endear himself to his new side with passionate displays in his early games at Old Trafford.

However his time for Sir Alex Ferguson's side was most memorable for the hideous injury he suffered in a game against Liverpool where he broke his ankle.

After that his time at Old Trafford never quite got back on track and he ended up at Newcastle United before spells at MK Dons and Notts County, eventually retiring at the end of last season.

Now Smith leads a very different life and the Mirror revealed he now lives in Florida, coaching kids to play football, and learning to surf in his spare time.

Smith celebrates his first goal back. Image: PA Images
Smith celebrates his first goal back. Image: PA Images

Speaking about the injury that led to United players wearing shirts saying 'For You Smudge' at the League Cup final the 37 year old said, "I knew with the injury it would be touch and go whether I could carry on playing - the surgeon said that.

"It would have been easier to walk away and people remember you as a top Premier League player. But I didn't want that, because I loved playing football. Your love of it makes you go through the pain barrier.

Medics see to Smith after the injury. Image: PA Images
Medics see to Smith after the injury. Image: PA Images

"...My game was simple, I used to play whole-heartedly, like a supporter who was sat in the stands would want to play.

"Arguably, from that day at Liverpool onwards people don't see the best of you. Adrenaline gets you through for a certain amount of time but you soon realise, 'The stuff I used to do, I can't do.'

"I knew I wouldn't be the same again. I was never as good in that new position as I was as a forward. But I became a better footballer and learnt about the game.

"In the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland in 2011 it was the second time I injured my left ankle. Arguably that was worse because I had all the metalwork in it from previously and that got distorted and messed up.

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Topics: America, Football News, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Leeds United, Newcastle United