New player-coach Alan Smith put pen to paper on a one-year deal on Tuesday and is delighted to be given the joint role...
The 33-year-old midfielder spoke to Magpie Player about how excited he was to cross onto the ‘dark side’ and how the move came about following on from a chat in the referees room.
Smith told the Official Site: “I first came across Shaun when he was captain at Crystal Palace and I was playing for Newcastle United in the Championship. As we both skippers that day, we got called into the refs room before the game and we ended up talking for 20-minutes.
“We played game, went away and thought of nothing of it. But I also met him on holiday in a gym and we had a little chat and it went from there.
“Shaun then rang me at the end of the season and basically said I need your type of people at the club, with the right mentality and attitude.
“I came to Meadow Lane last week to meet Shaun and Greg and as soon as I left the meeting I knew I wanted to be here. We just spoke about football and the deal was there and then pretty much.”
The former Manchester United and Leeds United player was recently released by MK Dons at the end of last season and is now looking mentor some of the younger players at Meadow Lane in his coaching role.
He added: “My career has been through endeavour, passion and belief in your own ability and having that drive and that will to win. Any player coming on board to this football club will need that mentality. If they haven’t got it, we can instil it in them.
“We want to create a team that fans can relate to and Notts County be proud of. We all care about what happens and one thing we can guarantee is that everyone will be giving 100% next season once they cross that white line.
“It was a massive appeal to do some coaching. I am crossing over to the dark side, to the coaching side of things. My career has flown by and it is daunting, but after the meeting with the Manager and Greg I’m really excited.”
Watch the full interview on Magpie Player by clicking here.
Fans can sponsor Alan Smith by calling the Commercial Team on 0115 9557 241 or emailing sales@nottscountyfc.co.uk