Let's take Alan Smith at Leeds.

He stayed with that club while it was falling apart, and only left when he had absolutely no choice - the club had to sell him and it would have destroyed his career to have stayed. (OK, he ended up joining their big rivals but there wasn't really anyone else in England in for him).

He famously followed Olivier Dacourt in Leeds' contract negotiations, when it was becoming clear that the money was gone - Dacourt and his agent took ages negotiating terms, then Smith walked in, signed the contract and went straight back up. Apparently, his team-mates said "Why so quick?" - Smith touched his badge and said "I play for this".

That's genuine passion. I believe that. And Smith was a) A lifelong Leeds fan and b) A brilliant player for them. He earned the right to take on the role as the team's point of connection with the fans. Hughes really hasn't, I'm afraid. If it was Huckerby or Green or Drury - fair play.

Posted By: Ottosson Foxtrot, Jan 26, 00:43:13