ArseWeb - the Alan Smith Interview

Thanks also to Alan, one of the all-time Arsenal greats, for taking the time to answer these questions. At the time of writing, both Alan and ArseWeb had weekly columns in the Highbury & Islington Express.

I'd always fancied having a crack at writing so after my retirement I thought "lets have a go". I appear on telly but I'm not a natural for that medium. I prefer the writing.

Ask any of the old school at Arsenal and they will say the same. Our greatest moment was undoubtedly winning at Anfield in 89. To pull that result off was a magnificent achievement and not having won the title for 18 years made it all the more special. Copenhagen was obviously memorable but we weren't half the team we were in 89.

The arrival of Ian Wright did change things at Arsenal. Because he was so prolific, midfielders would immediately look to Ian and play the early ball through. This reduced my role somewhat and I became a provider rather than a goalscorer like I had always been. Without any conventional wingers the crosses dried up and I struggled. Those years were the most disappointing of my career.

My finest game for Arsenal was probably against Parma. With Merson and Campbell out wide, I virtually played up front on my own. To get the only goal was wonderful but everything I tried that night came off. The ball stuck when it was played up to me and I felt very satisfied afterwards.

Coaching has never appealed to me. It's also a very precarious business whereas I prefer more security.

Losing the North Bank changed Highbury forever. The atmosphere has never been quite the same as when they used to get to the ground early and chant your name in the warm- up. Nowadays everyone is behind the stand eating fast food. I felt privileged that my best years were played out in front of that famous terrace.

The real difference was the expectation every Saturday - Arsenal are usually expected to win whereas Leicester were often the underdogs. Another difference was the press attention which of course brings more pressure. Nevertheless Leicester was a great place to learn my trade.

My worst footballing moment was losing to Spurs in the semi- final of the FA Cup in 91. But the lack of goals in my later years was definitely my biggest disappointment.

When the surgeon broke the news I just felt numb, It was only when the lads started back for pre-season training and I was stuck at home that it really hit me. The first season was agony but you gradually acclimatise to a new way of life. Nothing ever replaces the excitement of life as a professional footballer though.

I think Wenger is becoming increasingly aware of the traditions at Highbury. He will never feel for the club. I think, like someone who has been brought up there but does not have to be a handicap. If he brings success that's what matters.

I think we need a British player to replace Ian Wright. Kevin Davies of Southampton, while being a totally different player, would do well and also maybe dove-tail well with Dennis Bergkamp.

I don't think the current squad is quite on a par with the 90-91 Championship winning squad just yet. We need reinforcements up front as well as looking to eventually replace most of the famous back four due to their age. The difference with Man Utd is that they have so many home grown players which lends a real allegiance to the club. We don't lag too far behind in quality only maybe quantity.

The small pitch only creates problems for forwards. It is benefit to defenders because they can more easily deny space. But when we do sometimes struggle to break down the opposition at Highbury, a larger pitch would help.

I think we miss a player of my type up front. Sometimes the ball does not stick when it's played up and that's when a target man would be handy.

When we last won the league, our midfielders chipped in with a lot of goals. Look at Man Utd. They can score from nearly all positions and this undoubtedly helps because if you rely on one or two people, when they dry up you're struggling. There's no reason now why Petit and Vieira should not get on the scoresheet regularly. The goals from Overmars have helped.

I just think you need an alternative to a player like Wright who can be used in certain situations. Variety is what we lack at the moment.

The best goalscorer was definitely Ian Wright. The one I most enjoyed playing with was Paul Merson in the early days. He always lifted his head and was very aware of those around him. On his day Anders Limpar was out of this world while David Rocastle took some beating in his prime. The person that probably provided more goals for me than anyone though was Brian Marwood.

George Graham was very good at spotting what was wrong at half-time and putting it right. Sometimes I think you need to know that you're in for a rollicking if you are not pulling your weight. Players never like to be picked on in the dressing room, but you have to react to the criticism by going out and performing better. The quiet approach is all very nice but sometimes the finger needs to be pointed.