Dave Smith

Dave 'Smudger' Smith, a vastly experienced football journalist, respected by players and managers alike, has passed away suddenly. Dave’s early career was spent writing for both Match and Shoot magazines, where he worked his way through the editorial ranks, as chief...read more »

  IT took England nearly an hour to break down a resilient and resolute Malta side. The game was crying out for a Wayne Rooney moment. He wasn’t there, of course, so it needed a new national hero to step up to...read more »

  The Premier League is certainly well represented in the Champions League – but who’s your money on to progress from the group stages after yesterday’s draw? Both Manchester clubs look to have favourable draws, whilst Chelsea and Spurs face the Spanish...read more »

  LIKE many football followers and so-called experts, I was surprised by Wayne Rooney’s decision to call time on his England career. I still believe, as I wrote a couple of days ago, that the 31-year-old still has a lot to offer...read more »

YOU have to take your hat off to Spurs – and Mauricio Pochettino in particular. Other clubs can take a leaf out of their book. Tottenham continue to put their faith in youth; players who have come through the ranks and are...read more »

IF ever you want to make a statement: make it loud and make it proud. Wayne Rooney has done just that. Gareth Southgate was watching. Is he listening? Rooney is anything but a spent force.  A record goal scorer for Manchester United...read more »

HOW Paul Pogba managed to stay on the field in table-topping Manchester United’s 4-0 demolition of Swansea is anybody’s guess. Already booked for a dreadful challenge, the French midfielder got away with murder after committing a similar offence. He should have...read more »

  EVERTON will tie up their latest – possibly their last – summer signing by completing the capture of Gylfi Sigurdsson. Possibly, later today. Not entirely surprising as the move has been on the cards for some time. The fact the Icelandic...read more »

A Moment of madness by Jonjo Shelvey cost Newcastle dear on their return to the Premier League – and he should be stripped of the captain’s armband immediately. His ridiculous, ludicrous, blatant stamp on Dele Alli earned him the third yellow...read more »

ONE of the few things we have learned from the first batch of Premier League games is that the so-called lesser lights can have a big say in the destination of the title. Watford gave Liverpool a run for their money;...read more »