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Smudger Smith, the journeyman pro: Miliband causes shock at Sunderland

I must say I think it was a huge overreaction for Dave to walk away just because Paolo Di Canio had previously expressed support for the far right

Smudger Smith
Saturday 06 April 2013 06:16 EDT
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In a professional career spanning almost two decades, Simon “Smudger” Smith has played for over 67 clubs and has reinvented himself time and again, from poacher to holding midfielder, centre-back to goalkeeper.

The week began with shocking revelations at Sunderland as it emerged David Miliband had a job there.

I must say I think it was a huge overreaction for Dave to walk away just because Paolo Di Canio had previously expressed support for the far right. I know the game has changed a lot but wingers still have their place. Paolo is getting a lot of stick but at least I expect he'll manage to get the training to run on time.

Monday saw an awful game between Chelsea and Man United in the FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser. It's rightly been criticised for being a watered down, inferior and bland version of an old British favourite.

I was disappointed to discover (through a taxi driver) that the Champions League was over for another season and we'd have to wait until August for the competition to begin again. That was until I received a text from Franny Jeffers letting me know the truth. It was great to see some English involvement with Beckham looking great on Tuesday night. That's to be expected but he also played quite well. It was disappointing to see Faith Terim's Galatasary team comprehensively outclassed by Real Madrid. I just hope he doesn't lose his job - it's important to keep Faith.

Yaya Toure has agreed a new four-year deal at City and I know from personal experience just how daunting it can be to sign a long-term contract. It's not all doom and gloom though as I get unlimited texts and free calls on the weekend.

I notice Joey Barton is in trouble again for his use of Twitter this week. I know what it's like when Joey has a pop using social media. Back in 2003 he changed his MSN screen name to 'Smudger was trying to throw his weight around in training earlier. Unfortunately nobody had an industrial strength catapult on them.' Fair play to the lad though, I sent him a pleading private message and he was good enough to change it back to a Nietzsche quote.

Follow me on @smudgersmithpro

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