Alan Smith (footballer Born 1980) - Club Career - Newcastle United

Newcastle United

On 2 August 2007, Newcastle United confirmed they had agreed a fee with Manchester United of around £6m for Smith. The deal was confirmed on 3 August, with Smith moving to Newcastle on a five-year contract. He scored the winning goal on his debut for the Magpies, in a 1–0 friendly victory against Sampdoria. However, the striker struggled to establish himself at Newcastle in his first season, failing to score a league goal.

His progress next season was hampered by stress fracture of the ankle sustained in the preseason, meaning it took until February 2009 before he played in a competitive fixture by coming on as a substitute against Everton. Despite the comeback, Smith was relegated for the second time in his career as Newcastle lost by a single goal to Aston Villa. Again, he finished the season without a goal.

In the summer of 2009, Smith played against his former club Leeds United in a pre season friendly at St James Park, the match was the first time he had played against Leeds since leaving the club for bitter rivals Manchester United, his every touch was booed throughout the game by Leeds fans and he was heavily booed when he was substituted. Smith was made vice-captain for the 2009–10 season, but captained the team in almost every game due to Chris Hughton's preference of Smith to first choice captain Nicky Butt. Smith has been a regular feature, but in a much deeper role acting as a central defensive midfielder.

Despite playing regularly as a deep lying midfielder, he lost his place after the January transfer window with the arrival of Wayne Routledge and Danny Guthrie's excellent form in central midfield. To allow two strikers up front in the form of Peter Løvenkrands and Andy Carroll for more games, Smith was dropped to accommodate. Newcastle won promotion to the Premier League.

Smith started Newcastle's first four Premier League games due to the injury of Danny Guthrie, Smith partnered Joey Barton for the 3–0 loss to former club Manchester United, the 6–0 victory over Aston Villa, the 1–1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers and the 2–0 loss to Blackpool. He lost his place to new signing Cheick Tioté and the arrival of Hatem Ben Arfa. Smith was given time in the Football League Cup, where Chris Hughton gave young players and fringe players such as himself, Ryan Taylor and Peter Løvenkrands a chance.

Alan Smith served a lot of bench duty with Cheick Tioté cementing his place as the inform defensive midfielder. Smith saw a return to action in Newcastle's 3–1 cup defeat to Stevenage on 8 January 2011. With Tioté suspended for three games following his sending off in the same game, Smith started in Newcastle's 1–1 derby draw with Sunderland, but came off after half an hour with an injured ankle. It was later confirmed it would rule Smith out for the rest of the season.

After returning to full training in April, it was reported by assistant manager John Carver that he would be in contention to start Newcastle's penultimate fixture to Chelsea with the club likely to rest Cheick Tioté to save him from a 3 match ban.

On 7 June 2011, Smith was notified by the Newcastle management that his services would no longer be required, and he was free to leave the club.

On 8 June 2011, Leeds United chairman Ken Bates revealed that he was not ruling out a move to acquire Smith subject to his wage demands and fitness. After being made available for transfer, Smith was linked with a move to his former club Leeds United with Leeds manager Simon Grayson confirming his interest in the player.

He was released by Newcastle United on 1 June 2012.