The Fishy - Grimsby Town FC

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Is football a business or a sport?




David Smith
David Smith

David Smith Interview

By: Jake Olley
Date: 28/06/2006

DAVID Smith began his career at Coventry, before joining West Broim via Birmingham. Shortly after David joined the Baggies Alan Buckley took over as manager and eventually brought Smudger back to Town during his second spell.

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David Smith's Career
ClubWhenApp'sGoalsFee
Swansea2001/02-2002/033(1)1Free
Grimsby1997/98-2001/02123(15)12£200K
West Brom1993/94-1997/9891(26)2£90K
Birimingham1993/941(0)0Swap
Coventry1986/87-1992/93171(11)19Trainee

Dave, you're at Grimsby Town Football Club now, as the assistant commercial manager. Can you clear up for us what that actually involves?

It involves helping Tony Richardson (Commercial Manager) in all matters, as well as this I have a duty to edit the programme and to act as a press officer. Basically to deal with all PR and player appearances, just anything that deals with Grimsby Town Football Club really.

How does it compare with playing and did you always feel that that was the role you wanted to take after you left football?

I had an idea in that I wanted to be involved in football, but instead at first I chose the motor trade and worked for BMW but when the job of assistant commercial manager came along at Grimsby, it was just too good to turn down! It compares to football in the way that this is office hours while football is just keep fit and prepare for Saturday.

Did coaching or management ever pop into your mind after you left and do you ever want to take that root?

You always think about it and I did take my UFEA 'C' License, but I didn't really enjoy the coaching side so that's why I didn't really take it up.

Now onto your playing career, you played for several clubs in your time in football. Which would you say stands out as an altogether great club, where you really enjoyed your time?

I started at Coventry and made my debut there and played at what is now the old Premiership and that was a time in my life I really enjoyed. I then later went on to play for Birmingham and West Brom before joining Grimsby where I thoroughly enjoyed my time. I remember the Wembley days as being a great day for both me and everyone associated with Grimsby Town.

Which manager on the whole really improved you as a player and in your opinion what is the key to a good manager?

I played under a number of great managers. John Sillett gave me my debut at Coventry and was really good in the way that he could get the boys to play together as a team. Alan Buckley, who I had for a number of years, you had to admire the way he produced his sides to play good attractive football. Tactically the most astute manger I came across was Ray Harford, he had great ideas and I really enjoyed working with him.

Could you give us an insight into how you think the game has changed since you've been in the game?

I suppose since I started the athleticism of players has become a must for teams and individuals to become successful. Also scientific methods and dietary requirements have been well documented and that's probably the biggest change that I've noticed in my twenty years in football.

And finally could you name me a manager and team of the best players you've ever played with?

GK: Neville Southall
RB: Lee Dixon
LB: Kenny Samson
CB: Des Walker
CB: Terry Butcher
RW: Trevor Steven
LW: John Barnes
CM: Paul Gascoinge
CM: Stuart Robson
ST: Peter Beardsley
ST: Ian Rush.

We'd also like to take this chance to thank David Smith who took time out from his busy schedule to do this interview for Town fans


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