Before the season started, the majority of Leeds fans were
fearful that we simply did not have enough firepower up front to mount a
serious challenge for the top 6. Undoubtedly, McCormack’s incredible form
following his jittery start has helped to allay these fears and, as well as our
star man topping the individual goal scoring table, Leeds sit in joint second
for goals scored with 32. A huge amount of credit is due to McCormack and to
the team for creating the chances for him, but here at @LUFC_Calypso we feel
there is another striker who is quietly improving game by game. There were
many, including us, who saw the signing of Matt Smith from Oldham on a free as
a ‘Batesian’ attempt to save money but, thanks to his hard work and selfless
attitude towards forward play, Matt Smith has developed into a worthy
Championship number 9. We take a closer look at the contributing factors to
Smith’s progress...
The Player
Matt Smith burst onto the scene last season with
eye-catching displays in the FA Cup against Liverpool and Everton. These
moments, already part of FA Cup history, gave the football world a glimpse of
his talent and potential. However, closer inspection of the man many described
as “the new Peter Crouch” showed that this potential remained largely
unfulfilled, and Oldham narrowly avoided relegation with Smith scoring just 6
goals in the league all season. Since his move to Leeds, Smith has turned a
mental corner and his efforts now go far beyond an attempt to stick his head on
the ball at the back post. Smith has become a tenacious and selfless strike
companion for McCormack, and while there are still improvements to be made, he has
greatly enhanced his ability to hold up the ball and flick it on to midfield
runners. Credit must be given to a player that works hard in training and, once
given his opportunity in the team, does everything in his power to secure his
name on the team sheet more regularly - he has already matched his 6 League One
goals last term with 6 in the Championship so far this season.
The Manager
Most Leeds fans know that prior to his stint as Reading
manager, McDermott worked for 9 years as their Chief Scout. This experience
helped McDermott to spot the potential worth of Smith to the squad, and his
time as an U19s coach has also been invaluable experience for nurturing this young
talent and moulding his style of play to best suit our team. McDermott saw the prospective
benefits of the giant Smith next to our diminutive Scot, and McDermott’s
decision to take a risk on Smith when others wouldn’t has been vindicated by
his goals and his link up play with McCormack.
The Fans
As a fan base we have the ability to create club legends as
well as pressurise players to the point of total isolation. In recent seasons,
our fans have been extremely vociferous against those they feel should not be
linked with the club. Many players, and notably Bates and Warnock off the
field, have received sustained negative chanting and there was a danger that
Smith would receive similar treatment. Unimpressed by his signing, the fans
could have used Smith’s signature as a vehicle for voicing their dismay at the
lack of investment in the squad. Thankfully, the fans have given Smith the time
to work on his game and this patience has allowed him to develop his talent and
flourish in front of fans who all want to see him succeed. Smith’s clear love
for the club, aided in no small way by the support he gets from fans, will only
help him become a more and more destructive force up front for LUFC.
Do you think Smith has what it takes to get us promoted? Do
you think there are other strikers out there within our budget that could do a
better job? As always, let us know your feedback, thoughts and comments at
@LUFC_Calypso!
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