Denis "the legend" Smith answers your questions
What did Swedish Stokies ask him?
Vi fortsätter vår frågestund med Stoke legend Denis Smith. Idag svarar han på frågor ställda av Swedish Stokies.
1. Who is the biggest practical joker you played with at Stoke with?
Definitely Terry Conroy
2. Who was the brightest player you have seen at Stoke?
The captain of the League Cup team Peter Dobing.
3. What is the best goal you have scored?
A header against Ipswich in the FA Cup 5th round replay 1971.
4. What season were you at your best?
The seasons between 1970 and 1975.
5. Have your 2 sons been professional players? Are they Stoke fans?
Both have played semi-pro and both follow the Clubs in there own city Paul in York and Tom in Oxford.
6. Who was the best player you have played with?
I would have to say Gordon Banks
7. Which centre back did you have the best working relationship with?
The one I played most games with Alan Bloor
8. How many red cards did you get (sorry Denis not my question, I remember one at Burnley though)
Surprisingly only three! With Stoke against Coventry, Liverpool and Burnley and once when manager of York at Hull.
9. Would you have to change your style of game, if you were a player in the Prem. today?
Yes I would but not as much has people think.
10. Did players dive in your day?
Yes they did with Manchester City’s Francis Lee being the worst.
11. As a manager did you ever buy or sell a player to Stoke?
Three players who had been at Stoke joined me at York. Roger Jones, Chris Evans and Sean Haslegrave.
12. Was it strange to manage a team against Stoke?
Yes it did feel strange, but I still wanted to win.
13. Have you retired from managing a professional team?
I don't know you will have to ask Kate!!! (my wife)
14. With Port Vale and Crewe in deep trouble, wouldn’t you be the perfect answer (as a manager) to solve their problems?
Yes I feel I could a good job , but I am too busy at the moment.
15. Who is your favourite player in the Prem. that plays in your position?
Vidic of Man.Utd is a player I admire.
16. Have Stoke impressed you this season?
I would have liked more flair but at the moment it’s just about staying up and having just watched them beating Bolton 2-0 it is looking good.
17. How do you fill your days nowadays?
I work for The Premier League as a match delegate; the F.A. on works permits, Radio Stoke and Radio Oxford, as well as book signings around the country and work on our new home.
18. Are you interested in other European Leagues i.e. Spanish, Italian?
I am interested in all Football.
19. Why have the English National side been so disappointing in major tournaments?
The simple reason is the other teams have been better.
20. Would you say in your day, players were more interested in club football than international football?
No both were and are important.
21. Do you keep in contact with old Stoke players, if so who?
Yes we have meetings once a month with S.C.O.B.A. (Stoke City Old Boys Association)
22. Did Stoke make the right decision moving to Britannia Stadium or should they have stayed at the Vic.?
The move to the Brit. was a financial one not a Football one.
23. What do you know about Sweden and have you ever been here?
Unfortunately Sweden is one of the countries I have not yet been to.
Once again Denis, thanks a lot for your time and answers, proving once again, you really are a Stoke City legend.
