Smith on the Road to Recovery

All over the country, with the possible exception of a mindless minority in the Leeds area, genuine football fans would have been delighted to see a smiling Alan Smith pictured as he left hospital, following successful surgery on a dislocated ankle and broken leg sustained late in the game against Liverpool at Anfield.

Early fears of a career-threatening injury have now given way to a more encouraging prognosis, and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is optimistic that, in view of his youth and his exceptional courage and determination, Smith could be back in as little as six or seven months.

That is a prospect that will be welcomed far beyond the United fanbase, because Smith is an extremely popular player widely admired for his integrity and his industry as well as his considerable technical ability.