I'M READY TO SPILL BLOOD FOR SIR ALEX
Aug 8 2004
By Steve Bates
ALAN SMITH has vowed to become Sir Alex Ferguson's weapon of mass destruction.
The controversial £7m striker is determined to win over the most sceptical Manchester United fans - declaring: "I am driven to win - and the supporters will see that the moment the new Premiership season starts."
The troubled history between punters from Old Trafford and Elland Road has meant that Leeds-born Smith has bigger obstacles to climb in his quest to conquer unchartered waters - and make Manchester United followers treat him like one of their own.
But Smith has no fears - and he knows he has every weapon in his locker to become one of Ferguson's new heroes. Snarling and snappy, tenacious and threatening - he is a bundle of dynamite just waiting to explode on the Premiership for United.
Smith will take another step towards the transformation from arch enemy to hero at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium today when Fergie's FA Cup winners take on Arsenal in the Community Shield curtain-raiser.
"Any player has a lot to prove coming here and I'm no different. But once the fans see that I am prepared to spill blood for this club I know I won't have a problem,'' says Smith. "I always give it everything when I am on the pitch and I have no intention of changing that just because I am at a club where they have some of the best players in the world. I have come to United to learn and become a better player, but my overall style has got me where I am so I see no reason to change that. I show aggression and commitment when I play and I think the fans like that because it shows you are trying even though things might not be going your way.
"I signed for United because I want to win trophies - and I am going to give it everything to make sure that dream comes true.
"There was only ever one place I wanted to come when I decided I was leaving Leeds and it was Old Trafford. I know the history between the fans and people say I have shown courage to make that decision.
"But that should show to everyone at United the kind of person I am. I want success - and I am confident when the fans see me giving it everything they will accept me."
Having been one of the major pluses on United's three match pre-season trip to America, Smith has had his first real insight into the psychology of veteran United players like Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs - and he knows he shares the same mentality.
"I saw on the trip to America that United have got players who are a different breed to others in that they are driven to win. Every week and every season they want to keep the high standards and that is something that made me want to come here because I share that desire to win and be successful when I play," enthused Smith.
"I know from playing against them in the past that every game at United is a big game. Every time any team plays against Manchester United they want to beat them.
"That's a credit to the club because they are a big scalp for everybody.
"I really enjoyed the USA tour and the lads have made me feel very welcome - it's been great from the minute I signed.
"I always wanted to get here and just get started - but I know I won't truly feel like the rest of the players here until I have won something and that's my aim."
The striker insists United will close the gap on Arsenal, who went unbeaten in the League last season.
"Everyone in our dressing room thinks we can reach the standard set by Arsenal and I have no reason to think we won't,'' said Smith.
"Games against Arsenal always have a lot of spice, I know that from my Leeds days but United have always done well against them and I know that last season in three games United beat them in the FA Cup semi-final and drew the two Premiership games.
"We believe in ourselves and why shouldn't that be the case?''
Aug 8 2004
By Steve Bates
ALAN SMITH has vowed to become Sir Alex Ferguson's weapon of mass destruction.
The controversial £7m striker is determined to win over the most sceptical Manchester United fans - declaring: "I am driven to win - and the supporters will see that the moment the new Premiership season starts."
The troubled history between punters from Old Trafford and Elland Road has meant that Leeds-born Smith has bigger obstacles to climb in his quest to conquer unchartered waters - and make Manchester United followers treat him like one of their own.
But Smith has no fears - and he knows he has every weapon in his locker to become one of Ferguson's new heroes. Snarling and snappy, tenacious and threatening - he is a bundle of dynamite just waiting to explode on the Premiership for United.
Smith will take another step towards the transformation from arch enemy to hero at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium today when Fergie's FA Cup winners take on Arsenal in the Community Shield curtain-raiser.
"Any player has a lot to prove coming here and I'm no different. But once the fans see that I am prepared to spill blood for this club I know I won't have a problem,'' says Smith. "I always give it everything when I am on the pitch and I have no intention of changing that just because I am at a club where they have some of the best players in the world. I have come to United to learn and become a better player, but my overall style has got me where I am so I see no reason to change that. I show aggression and commitment when I play and I think the fans like that because it shows you are trying even though things might not be going your way.
"I signed for United because I want to win trophies - and I am going to give it everything to make sure that dream comes true.
"There was only ever one place I wanted to come when I decided I was leaving Leeds and it was Old Trafford. I know the history between the fans and people say I have shown courage to make that decision.
"But that should show to everyone at United the kind of person I am. I want success - and I am confident when the fans see me giving it everything they will accept me."
Having been one of the major pluses on United's three match pre-season trip to America, Smith has had his first real insight into the psychology of veteran United players like Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs - and he knows he shares the same mentality.
"I saw on the trip to America that United have got players who are a different breed to others in that they are driven to win. Every week and every season they want to keep the high standards and that is something that made me want to come here because I share that desire to win and be successful when I play," enthused Smith.
"I know from playing against them in the past that every game at United is a big game. Every time any team plays against Manchester United they want to beat them.
"That's a credit to the club because they are a big scalp for everybody.
"I really enjoyed the USA tour and the lads have made me feel very welcome - it's been great from the minute I signed.
"I always wanted to get here and just get started - but I know I won't truly feel like the rest of the players here until I have won something and that's my aim."
The striker insists United will close the gap on Arsenal, who went unbeaten in the League last season.
"Everyone in our dressing room thinks we can reach the standard set by Arsenal and I have no reason to think we won't,'' said Smith.
"Games against Arsenal always have a lot of spice, I know that from my Leeds days but United have always done well against them and I know that last season in three games United beat them in the FA Cup semi-final and drew the two Premiership games.
"We believe in ourselves and why shouldn't that be the case?''
