Sat 26 Jan 08
Arsenal 3
Newcastle 0
Missed Chance

Sat 12 Jan 08
Man Utd 6
Newcastle 0
Sending Off

Sat 24 Nov 07
Newcastle 0
Liverpool 3
Missed Chance

Birthplace: Rothwell, Leeds
Date Signed: August 2, 2007
NUFC Debut: August 11, 2007 v Bolton Wanderers (a)

Honours
Premier League winner 2006/07

International career
19 England caps, 1 goal
International debut
May 25, 2001 v Mexico

Alan Smith joined United on 2 August 2007, signing from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

The bustling goal-scoring striker agreed a five-year contract at St. James' Park. Gritty and determined, he possesses great strength and is adaptable enough to fill a midfield role too with great aplomb.

His Premiership debut for Leeds, when only 18, was as a substitute at Anfield on 14 November 1998 where he displayed his natural scoring ability by incredibly scoring with his first touch of the ball. That goal helped propel him into the 1998/9 season where he formed an effective partnership with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

He helped the Leeds side through to the Champions League semi finals in 2001, though his experience ended on a sour note as he was sent off against Valencia. The following season saw Smith switched to the midfield, his versatility being utilised by Leeds manager David O'Leary.

2001 was also the year for Smith's breakthrough into the England squad. An England youth international at multiple levels, Smith made his senior England debut in May 2001 against Mexico at Derby but missed out on selection for the 2002 World Cup.

A hometown hero and a teen idol for supporters of hometown club Leeds, Smith was the pin-up boy for the club for the 2002-2004 seasons, winning the 'Supporter's Player of the Year' award two years running, a first in Leeds' history, as Smith was one of their own. His willingness to play any role on the pitch and his tireless efforts was met with love from his adoring public.

Following Leeds' relegation in May 2004, Smith announced his desire to leave Leeds. His £7m transfer to bitter rivals Manchester United, however was a controversial one. Smith chose to waive his personal transfer fee owed to him by Leeds United who had financial difficulties at the time.

Smith started the second chapter of his career on 8 August 2004 at the Community Shield in Cardiff, netting for the 'Red Devils' against Arsenal with a swerving volley. He quickly developed a fearsome reputation for both long-ranged strikes and more intelligent, 'poacher'-type goals.

Injury hampered his first season, causing him to miss out on several key matches including the FA Cup Final with Arsenal in May 2005 but he still scored 10 goals in his first season at Old Trafford, however with Rooney and van Nistelrooy ahead of him, he was relegated to the bench.

In 2005/6, after an injury to Roy Keane, Smith began a prolonged run in the midfield 'anchor' role, but on 18 February 2006, during a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup, Smith broke his leg and dislocated his ankle while attempting to block a free-kick from Liverpool's John Arne Riise, an injury described by Sir Alex Ferguson as "one of the worst I've seen" and one that would keep the Yorkshireman sidelined, initially for over seven months and then a further four month period.

The second part of the season was spent building up his fitness again and he played a key role in a number of end of season games, notably the 7-1 demolition of AS Roma in the Champions League and the 1- 0 win over local rivals City, a result which virtually clinched the title for the Reds.

Despite falling one game short of the ten appearances needed to qualify for a Premiership winners medal, the Premier League granted special dispensation for Smith to receive a medal on the last day of the season. This medal was followed a week later with an FA Cup runners-up medal after the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley.

After a prolonged absence from the international scene Smith was called up for an England 'B' match on 26 May 2007 against Albania. He scored the first goal of the game, in partnership with Michael Owen. The next day he was named in the senior England team to face Brazil at Wembley, a game in which he earned the last of his 17 caps - his only goal coming against Portugal at Villa Park in 2002.

As a youngster, Smith was a keen BMX racer and at the age of 8 was the British Champion but chose to give that up in favour of playing football - a decision he has never had cause to regret.

Captained United in the League Cup tie at Arsenal on 25 September 2007.