Meet the Stokie Legend Denis Smith
The years 1975-1982
För andra gången har redaktionen varit i kontakt med Stoke legenden Denis Smith. Innan jul svarade Denis på frågor om sin tid i Stoke City mellan 1968-75. Nu ställer han upp och svarar på frågor om hans tid i Stoke City mellan 1975-82. Imorgon i del 2 svarar Denis på frågor ställda av Swedish Stokies.
1. At the end of ´74-´75 season, was there a sense that Stoke had blown their chance or did you think that the title could be won the following season?
We thought it was a great chance blown, but also thought we would be in with a chance the following season.
2. Stoke didn’t strengthen the squad for the ´75-´76 season, do you think this was a mistake? Where do you think the team needed strengthening?
We needed a goal scorer.
3. The team didn’t hit the same heights, as the season before, despite less injuries, why was this?
Unfortunately I just don't know the answer to this one.
4. As always felt that we should have won the FA cup in 1976, we had beaten Spurs and Man C. and then had division 2 team Sunderland at home. We lost after a reply (2-1). If we had won we would have played division 3-team Crystal Palace at home and then in the semi-final Southampton (division 2). Can you remember the games against Sunderland?
I don't remember the game, but playing Sunderland is always going to be a hard game even if they where in a league below.
5. In January 1976 the roof of a stand blew down after a storm, this event caused Stoke huge financial problems, how long was it before the players realized how serious it was?
We realized quickly that players would have to be sold.
6. The following season ´76 - ´77 saw us relegated, incredible just 2 years after we “should” have won the league. It felt that players were leaving every week; I remember crying when my father told me Greenhof was being sold. How was the atmosphere within the club at the time?
The atmosphere in the Club was very poor.
7. The rumour goes that Jimmy never wanted to leave, was this true or just a myth?
Jimmy still lives near Stoke and had a great affection for Tony Waddington and the Club.
8. The crowd became restless and the great Tony Waddington resigned and George Eastham took over, was it difficult for you to suddenly experience a new manager? (Who was the first new manager of your carrier)?
George was my first new manager and he found it difficult to adjust from coaching and playing to management.
9. With so, so many star players leaving to pay off debts, did you feel like leaving yourself?
I wasn't happy with so many good players leaving but never felt that I should leave.
10. Did you feel extra pressure yourself as one of the few old boys left?
I always felt that I should lead in the dressing room so it was no different for me.
11. Was this the lowest point of your carrier?
I remember being very low after the game.
12. The following season ´77 - ´78 saw us start brightly but then fade, did you find the standard much lower in the second division?
Yes the standard was a lot lower and I used to get bored in some of the games.
13. Eastham left, we lost to Blyth Spartans and then Stoke appointed Alan Durban. What were you thoughts of Alan?
Alan Durban came and instilled confidence and organization in the team, he is a very confident person and I got on with him very well.
14. Durban turned Stoke around very quickly, and already in his first full season 1978-´79 we were promoted again. What players stood out for you that season?
Roger Jones Brendan O’Callaghan and Garth Crooks.
15. Did you play in the Notts. County game? What were the celebrations like after?
Yes I played in that game and the fans that travelled were in great voice all the way through and after.
16. The team/management of ´79 reminds me a little of the set-up of today’s team, would you agree with that?
Tony Pulis does more coaching than Alan did, but both built on organization and work more than flair.
17. Durban left for Sunderland 2 seasons later, were you interested in taking over, as everybody knew that you would go into management?
I was very interested in the job at the time as I had just passed all my coaching courses, but the board at the time thought I was too inexperienced, I disagreed.
18. Ritchie Barker took over; did he see you as a threat? Did he seek your advice?
Yes I only wanted to help but Ritchie was worried about me.
19. You went out on loan to York City but as relegation looked a possibility in the season 1981-82, Barker called you back. Can you tell us about your last Stoke game against WBA?
One of my great memories, because as we won the game 3-0, it kept us in the top League.
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