However keep your party hats dry for now as Newcastle will still be paying 96% of his wages according to Sky Sports.
That means that we’ll have shed the princely sum of £2,400 a week from our wagebill based on Smith’s rumoured wage of £60,000 a week from us. That isn’t a lot in fairness and it looks as though we’ll have to wait his contract expires in the summer before we can get rid of his wage fully and put it to, well, put it to better use to be perfectly honest.
Smith is about as far down the pecking order at NUFC as you can get, mainly because he has lost it as a Premier League player. He’s not been the same since he broke his ankle against Liverpool in 2006 but Sam Allardyce still went ahead and signed him. For £6m!
I know some people moan about Smith and mention his wages, but I don’t have an issue with that. It’s not his fault he was offered 60k a week and he is within his rights to pick it up. Fortunately it shouldn’t be an issue again thanks to our transfer policy. I wonder if Alan Smith is still Mike Ashley’s favourite player these days?
So that’s the end of the road for Smith then, and I’d like to thank him for playing a role in our promotion back to the Premier League. He’s also been a model professional in his time here and hasn’t been in any trouble or attracted any headlines and he is also pretty good to have around the training ground going by what the other players say. Unfortunately, he’s just not good enough to get anywhere near our team anymore.
Good luck Smudge. I hope you enjoy the football you’ll be getting and I hope you help MK Dons achieve their aim of promotion to the Championship.
Goodbye Alan.
We as fans also paid the price for Smith, who along with Geremi and co, were the ones who knocked Ashleys end in, Allerdyce has a lot to answer for paying Hollywood wages for players who were finished.
I do blame Smith for sitting picking up his wedge when he could be playing elsewhere, especially when he had the nerve to say otherwise in the media last week.
Robert(Quote)
That’s a big wage to get rid of in the summer.
To be fair to smudge, he’s always shown passion and commitment, and it’s only lack of skill and pace that’s deserted him in his latter years.
No hard feelings towards him. Lucky ****** getting £60k a week for doing nowt! Jealous. 😮
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@robert
And you would walk away from £60k per week?
Give it a rest fella. There’s no club would pay a fraction of that for his services. MK Dons are prepared to pay £2.5k 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
“So that’s the end of the road for Smith then, and I’d like to thank him for playing a role in our promotion back to the Premier League” What role? Benchwarming? Ballwatching?
“He’s also been a model professional in his time here and hasn’t been in any trouble or attracted any headlines and he is also pretty good to have around the training ground going by what the other players say” So it’s not expected from players to behave? Yohan Cabaye is a model professional, NOT Smith. And who has stated that he’s so good to have around the training ground????
Get this parasite out.
andytoon(Quote)
Feel he would have done better if he had changed his game like shearer after his injury,as troy stated he’s always shown passion and commitment, and it’s only lack of skill and pace that’s deserted him in his latter years.I believe he would have been a good target man for nippy strikers to play of rather than goal poacher.Good luck to him,we criticize him for taking a wedge,we would all do the same.But was he praised for donating years wages to charity when he was out injured.Good luck Smudge.
Tommy Gibb(Quote)
Troy, Its not what i would do, he has sat on his **** for years doing bot all with no football ambition whatsoever and now he is coming to the end of his career he says its not about money, well he could have fooled me.
Robert(Quote)
@robert
Fair do’s. It has to be about money. Can’t blame him for sitting on his fat contract tho.
@Andy
Get real man. Ask yourself whether you would do different. It’s not like clubs are offering him big wages. MK Dons £2.5k instead of £60k per week. Righto.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Smith going!
Sing haleluja, sing haleluja! 😀
JJ(Quote)
@Tommy
Is that right that he gave away a years wages to charity? You jokin?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
err, I don’t get it. What’s the point? I could understand if he was going to a club who were prepared to pay him a decent wedge, but 2.5k? That’ll save us about 30 grand, and I’d say he has zero chance of staying there if they’re only prepared to pay him enough for one cut ‘n’ blow dry a week.
eh?
…actually I do get it now, his contract is up in the summer, this is obviously a move by the club to get him into the shop window, we’re doing him a favour. The caffeine is starting to work as I post this comment.
Reet, awake noo! 😎
Rodzilla(Quote)
Can hardly blame Smith for picking up the dosh, thinks he knows he’s lost it as a player and no prem club would buy him – clubs fault for giving him so much – Pards obviously thinks enough of him to offer him a coaching role just not as a player
Anyway today’s about the F.A cup man – few pints at 15:00 then walk to ground for match, first time at the Amex, looks decent ground and pitch
stevep(Quote)
perfect football weather, pitch should be fairly fast as rained last few days but blue sky’s today, bring it on
Toon to win 3-1 ….
stevep(Quote)
theres these ppl saying he should of gone elsewhere and play .would you of given up more than half of your wages to work somewhere else i pretty much doubt it .
badras(Quote)
Just started at a new gym today. It’s cracking cos it’s got a pool and sauna.
I went in the pool, got out and walked up to the gym upstairs with my trunks on and started to run on the treadmill to dry off.
Everyone was looking thinking I was mad. A member of staff told me I couldn’t train in the main gym with just my trunks on.
I was fizzin. I told them that’s what I came in and left. I felt humiliated walking to my car in my trunks still bloody wet. They never said a word when I arrived in my trunks so why later?
Has anyone else had similar problems and how did you deal with it? 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy, I once got stopped by security at the top of the 3rd floor escalator in John Lewis. They didn’t seem to care I was on my way to the toilet, and made me pull mi undercrackers back up. Got the coppers in and ahl sorts. 😯
Rodzilla(Quote)
Easy Troy. Use the leisure centre, in the west wing of my own house.
premandup(Quote)
I actually feel embarrassed that they pulled me about it. 😳
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Troyore
nee wonder you have flabby tits, when I go to the gym I’m there for 2-3 hours. youve been on here posting all morning and youve been to the gym too 😯 🙄
mark(Quote)
@premandup
you in prison m8 😉
mark(Quote)
Hasn’t Smith just done what any of us would do?
If your highly paid job was getting rid of you, and the only other alternative around involved taking a 95% paycut, wouldn’t you hang on? I would….
Don’t get me wrong, Smith was never a 60k a week player and you could ser he was finished when we got him, but I don’t blame him for getting one last payday. Obviously id have preferred it if it wasn’t at NUFC’s expense, but who do we blame for that?
Im not doing my job for the fun of it. I didn’t quit a job where i had a career path for nothing. I did it because the money i earn now is astronomical and im earning it while i can.
toonsy(Quote)
No, in my lottery winning dreams
premandup(Quote)
@The Butterfly
Wahey. 😛
There’s 3 days left butterfly. Why mode of transport have you rested on today. The reality train or dream bus? 🙄
Tiote and Krul to leave and maybe Colo or none? Or are you fluttering between the two and resting on the transport which proves to be right ? 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Toonsy
Exactly and anyone who says they would do different is a liar or insane.
They will be wearing trunks on the treadmill next 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
“the two and resting on the transport which proves to be right ?”
thats right m8.
I dream the best for my team but the reality is we could sell, isnt that the troof? 😀
but I honestly believe nobody will go, but I saw your source, the Geordie Dancer entertaining the masses in Greys last night, he reckons youre an easy target 😯 😆
I reckon we’ll get beaten today btw.. 🙁
mark(Quote)
Got nothing bad to say about Smudge other than the fact he’s a ***** footballer 😀 Nah, but he has been a good professional and he is someone who I thought always gave 100%, its just that his 100% is equivalent to 10% of Tiote.
Newkie(Quote)
@The Butterfly
Ha! The Geordie Dancer and the Jarrow Elvis were great influences in my life but we went our separate ways when the Dancer out danced me in a Bigg Market dance off!
He won my segged brogues that neet! 🙂
Troy Stavers(Quote)
He wouldn’t have had to take a 95% cut though or are we saying no club would have paid him more than £3k over the last couple of years.
Comparing what a footballer could/should do is daft as Smith will already have more money than he’ll ever spend, don’t think that applies to many of us.
Most of us work to live, that doesn’t apply with “most” footballers, they are doing what they love(supposedly) and if I was already set for life then yes I would have moved to play football, the thing I love…. and before anyone asks I’ve quit more than one job for one with less money because I believed I’d be happier, one I even more than halved my wages, Smith could have done that and the only person that would have noticed would have been his accountant, his lifestyle would have remained the same.
His love of money is more than his love of football, which is fine, I wouldn’t have done it but that’s his choice, just don’t want to hear his **** about wanting to play football as it’s blatantly a lie.
richietoon(Quote)
Are the Mackems on Tv today?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Not fishing. Just checked it’s on tomorrow. 🙄
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Richie
There’s no one else coming in offering money for him other than mk dons so that might be the case.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@richie
Even if a championship side came in 2 yrs ago and offered him £20k per week, bearing in mind we were a championship side, would you give up £60k per week.
Get your trunks on and get doon the gym. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy…I’d imagine a few clubs will have enquired over the last couple of years but been put off by his wage demands. Like I say, his choice and it’s the clubs fault for paying him that, but don’t suddenly say I just want to play football when it blatantly isn’t true.
richietoon(Quote)
@troyore
I use to think the Geordie dancer was the bees-knees. he sold out tho when he danced at St James..he epically failed like gazza did when he missed th goal from halfway on The Match.. at least gazza had jimmy 5bellies to knock it in.
I had him booked to dance for me at my home for my b’day but couldnt get the pole inserted in time and I feared wor lass would leave me for him as he’s a bonny looking lad, I can see why u knock aboot with him.
Did u hear the Mackem Mover suffered a heart attack while on some sky show.. poor ****** 😯
mark(Quote)
Troy…Prem clubs would have taken him and paid more than that, like I said, I’m not made for life but I’ve taken a 50 odd % pay cut to improve my life over all, he could have left and played for nowt and his lifestyle wouldn’t have changed at all.
richietoon(Quote)
@richie
I cleared that point up with Robert earlier.
But your wage one does not wash with me.
No one would give up a secured £60k per week unless they are insane.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Richie I’d disagree. Of course he wants to play football, he’s a footballer. He’ll want to play it more than ever now though with his contract running out. This move is a frantic last minute attempt to attract interest when he becomes a free agent. I doubt Smith ever realised he’d spend so much time on the bench with us, it’s always been the manager’s decision not to play him, not his.
Rodzilla(Quote)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArLFw271smU
sex on fu**in legs, apparently hes inundated with offers for porn movies. he’s yet to reply to me tho…must be too busy. I’ll wait
mark(Quote)
@Richie
You’re comparing a job you probably hated so therefore the money was not enough to keep you.
I wouldn’t have thought getting £60k per week for training and playing 5 a side games would be a bad way of life.
You must remember, Smith was a big player in his youth and probably feels frustrated that his options are to play in league one or championship.
He probably felt in his own mind that he could force his way back in our team as a bit part player.
Nothing wrong in that but it just hasn’t worked out.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I went from 24k per week to half of that to see my young children more… total mug some would say but if you love doing somehing more than the money, do it.. as they say, footballers lives are short.. short for what tho? playing or making millions..depends on the player of course..
I Wright recently slammed W Bridge for refusing to move even tho he knows he wont play for City again. I can see both sides of the coin..
mark(Quote)
@Mark
Ha! The Geordie Dancer kna’s his moves like. Don’t underestimate his dancing nouse.
He drinks at the Perigraine. 😯 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
lol been listening to Troyore too much, 24k per week?..I wish..per year..
mark(Quote)
See Cabaye is now on Twitter. 😯
JJ(Quote)
@Troyore
The Perigraine?, is that the one with the owl outside.
Ne wonder Nobby gans every Friday if theyre attracting Super Celebs like that.
I remember when I saw Neville Wandless at Seahouses. was the best day of my life, such a charming gentleman. I was only 5 at the time.
mark(Quote)
again. I can see both sides of the coin..
Woo hoo hoo hoo hoo
The butterfly strikes again! 😛
He’s fluttering from one flower to the next and doesn’t kna where to settle! 😆
Is it heads or is it tails? The butterfly will chose Teads. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
to troy @9 when he played for man ure he donated 2 mill to unesco.
Tommy Gibb(Quote)
Troy…nope, I’d do that job again tomorrow, best days of my life so that’s that theory out the window.
I’m not blaming him, but don’t pretend the football is worth more than the money(him I’m talking about)
Troy he could have went to a mid or lower level prem club I’m sure, he didn’t want to, he wanted the money. I’m sure in years to come he’ll regret passing up the chance to play regularly, although he’ll be able to comfort himself by counting the money he’s earned that he’ll never get to spend 😉
If he really thought he could force his way back in then fair enough, but then he can’t really be too bright if that’s the case.
Rod, I’m sure he wants to play, just not want it more than he wanted the cash 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Anyone remember the song by Ashington lad Neil Dixon, “Toon Go Marching On”, which he recorded under the name ” Alevis Broon”, brilliant, i had it on a compilation of Newcastle songs but have since lost it,.
Would appreciate a link if anyone has it.
Robert(Quote)
Tommy….in that case, I’ll take back “some” of what I said 😆 , fair play to him
richietoon(Quote)
@Tommy
That’s class ! I know charities are fantastic but I wonder if he considered buying all the current season ticket holders their tickets.
He would be a legend . Thats the type of crawling thing I would do to ensure my popularity . 💡 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Troyore
Ive never been good at making decisions. The butterfly suits me perfectly. Thanks..
That’s why I fancy both you and Wolfie. Both are my blogging heros. who do I choose?
one way to find out!
Fight!!!
mark(Quote)
@Richie
You sound like Mark the butterfly changing your views. Fluttering from opinion to opinion whoever is winning the argument. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Richie agreed m8, I’m with you until I read Troyores reply 😉
mark(Quote)
Have ended up with spare ticket for today – anyone want to buy it?
Can meet in Duke of Wellington from about 14:00
stevep(Quote)
Troy….nope, still a greedy fecker(with the toons money) 😆 any links for this charity donation as i can’t find one? not saying it did’nt happen, just that I’m ***** at searching
richietoon(Quote)
@Richie
you can be a moth if you like, theres only enough space is this small blog for one butterfly.
mark(Quote)
@Mark
Neville feckin Wandless!!!!
You lucky *******!
I once met Wincey Willis in a swingers club but that’s nowt compared to meeting Nev. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Mark 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Robert…nope can’t remember that one 🙁 …….sing it to me, see if it rings a bell 😉
richietoon(Quote)
@stevep
I’m stood ootside the duke of Wellington now. How much?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@troy – 25 quid ( thats how much it cost )
stevep(Quote)
Ok. . I’m outside the Duke of Wellington on high bridge street in the toon dancing wi me segged brogues and trunks on. 😛
It’s a Lang way to Brighton like from the toon. 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@troyore
aye, I blamed Neville for my parents breaking up when we got back from Seahouses, I always suspected my dad had a liking for Uncle Nev. who can blame him tho, which man could resist Wandless
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=neville+wanless&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rlz=1R2ACPW_enGB433&biw=1440&bih=706&tbm=isch&tbnid=pIbS_mJ3LFI5XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.transdiffusion.org/tmc/cityroad/people/nevillewanless.php&docid=lwSXxBHiDO8czM&imgurl=http://www.transdiffusion.org/tmc/cityroad/images/320presstudio1982.jpg&w=320&h=240&ei=yfEjT7nUH4Xr8QOEgY3yCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=668&vpy=163&dur=1118&hovh=192&hovw=256&tx=140&ty=121&sig=115582409968091292831&page=1&tbnh=163&tbnw=224&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0
mark(Quote)
@troy ya coooooooooont 🙂
stevep(Quote)
Woo hoo hoo ho. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@troyore
you did a full workout in 2 mins, I’m sure you could make it to brighton in no time 😉
mark(Quote)
Troy….Cambridge away ’83(I think) there was a lad on my bus wi DM’s and trunks on, wasn’t you by any chance was it?
richietoon(Quote)
@Mark
They reckon he’s a porn star now. 😯
I’m off to get my hair permed like Shirley Wandless! 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
ganning off google maps it will be 344 mi, 5 hours 48 mins M1
I suspect steve is a sexcase and wants a bit of suki suki with a retarded blogger 😯 aye Troyore good offer that m8, get yourself away 😉
mark(Quote)
@troy – just jump in the Tyne and swim down – you’ve already got ya trunks on so shouldn’t take to long, I’ll buy you a pint if you turn up in trunks and brogues
stevep(Quote)
Scousers 1 up 👿
richietoon(Quote)
@Troyore
a porn star? wish it was me.. on the recieving end of Wander 😯
mark(Quote)
Mark – you know I’m a sex case, tho I remember you kept asking to suck me off when I was trying to bang that lass you dirty get
Your mate still banging ya up the jacksy?
stevep(Quote)
Seriously tho Steve. Is there a good atmosphere down there? You are our foreign correspondent for today.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Steve
No, he left me for the Geordie Dancer. I can still meet at the Duke if u want 😯 😆
mark(Quote)
I was quite surprised Brighton have 18k season ticket holders 😯
richietoon(Quote)