| Jim Smith on Lee Clark 15:07 - Nov 16 with 1096 views | KOSBowlCut |
Jim Smith says that Lee Clark was always destined to be a football manager.
It was the Yorkshireman who handed the Geordie cult hero his chance in the United first team at just 17.
Clark was given an early taste of life in professional football and he laid the foundations for a long career as a player.
Now, as manager of Blackpool, Clark is in his third job in the Football League after stints at Birmingham and Huddersfield.
Former Toon boss Smith told the Chronicle: “It’s no surprise to me that Lee’s now a manager. None whatsoever.
“He was a very good player, and he might not have had the pace of others but the one thing he did have was a football brain.
“He had that intelligence and he always learned what we told him. It’s that type of skill that always means those type of players end up being manager.
“They take in what you say and they aren’t scared to ask questions. He’s the perfect type of guy to have as a football manager I’d say.
“I wish him well.”
Clark was one of a clutch of youngsters that Smith threw in at the deep end, along with Steve Watson and former youth team defender Kevin Scott.
Smith said: “It’s a great catchment area. You’d be hard pressed to get as many good players to pick from these days as the game has changed a bit.
“There’s a lot of French players at the club but it’s good to see Geordies still getting in the team.”
At 74, Smith is enjoying retirement. He said: “I’m not involved in the game any more. I’m living in Spain now. The weather is a bit better!” |  |
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| Jim Smith on Lee Clark on 19:50 - Nov 16 with 988 views | Wizaard |
I hear Steve Watson also heading to the Sunshine Coast. |  | | |
| Jim Smith on Lee Clark on 12:35 - Nov 19 with 727 views | Lala |
| Jim Smith on Lee Clark on 19:50 - Nov 16 by Wizaard |
I hear Steve Watson also heading to the Sunshine Coast. |
It's positive reading isn't it. I think the next couple of matches will be truer to what we can expect from him now. A little more time during the International break should have benn a blessing to him. Fingers crossed. |  |
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| Jim Smith on Lee Clark on 13:04 - Nov 19 with 720 views | Grayth |
I noticed among the dogshit in Bowlhead's column that he said Clark has his own coaches in. Only Alan Thompson has been announced.
He's got them working for free hasn't he? |  | | |
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