By Tyne-Talk
August 11 2008

Alan Smith took to the pitch on Saturday to face home fans jeering at him from the sidelines. The striker who has featured in many preseason games due to the absence of fellow team-mates Obafemi Martins, Michael Owen and Mark Viduka has been linked with a move away from the club after an disappointing 2007/2008 season. The 27 year old has failed to find the back of the net for Newcastle since he joined last summer  for £6million and is linked with a transfer to Everton. However, he is highly thought of by club owner Mike Ashley who has previously had his name across the back of his football shirt, and manager Kevin Keegan has publicly backed the former Leeds and Manchester United player in an interview today, saying he has no immediate plans to relieve Smith from his current contract.

Keegan said:

"Alan Smith is a Newcastle player and that's it. He covers in a lot of positions, is a great lad around the place - and whole-hearted.

He may not always be the best player on the pitch, but no one will try harder.

I'm not going to try and tell this crowd what to do. It's a very knowledgeable crowd.

They're the first to cheer if a player scores a goal and sometimes they show their feelings.

They've got every right to do that, they pay their money.

But I definitely think there's a lot more to come from Alan. I've known lots of players turn themselves around, and I know Alan will."

Smith who was booed after coming on in the second half to replace Martins in Newcastle's home match against Valencia on Saturday, is said to have already held talks with Everton.

Keegan: "More To Come From Alan"

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 11/08/2008 12:49

TyneTalk
11/08/2008 12:49

Keegan: "More To Come From Alan"

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CNDShearerFan16
11/08/2008 12:58

There better be more to come cause we haven't seen much yet!

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Bruneian_Toon
11/08/2008 13:41

the thing is that we gave him lots of chances, but he never show it to us. last goal was a year ago during pre season and try to calculate how many shot he got for last season. i bet its less than 10 shots (reminded this is for one season @ 38 games...)

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tunyc
11/08/2008 14:52

"But no one will try harder"

I know KK and Ashley weren't around at the time, but this reasoning sure as hell didn't save Scott Parker-who scores more frequently and tackles better than Smith.

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Dick
11/08/2008 16:06

I want Scott Parker back tbh, give the Hammers that street fighter in return lol

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tunyc
11/08/2008 18:08

On further reflection, though, it is a bit harsh to boo him. I do believe the boy is trying.

Boo Barton's recidivist ass all you want. But just show Smith the door.

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MissC
11/08/2008 19:01

I dont agree with Booing him.

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tunyc
11/08/2008 19:58

I hear you, Carys.

Just put yaself in his boots. Not too far removed from a horrific injury. Working hard to win a spot in the team. Being moved around the formation to patch a paper-thin squad. Being the object of unwanted attention due to his bad form, Fat Sam's continued selection of him despite said form, and then CAshley wearing 'Smith' on his shirt.

Then you're mercilessly heckled by some of the 'best fans in the game.'

If he weren't on several tens of thousands of pounds a week I'd weep for him.

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