In Profile... Alex Smith of Southwell City & England Deaf International

Photo by Rob Currell

Name: Alex Smith

Position: Goalkeeper

Current Club: Southwell City

 

Previous clubs: Dunkirk FC, Kimberley Miners Welfare, Sherwood Colliery, Clifton All Whites, Bilborough Town

 

Team supported growing up? Liverpool

 

Childhood hero? My Grandad, he introduced me to football and supported every single game I played in. He’s my biggest hero and I owe a lot to him. 

Biggest influence? My grandad, he motivated and inspired me massively growing up. He still does motivate me every day to make him proud, he recently passed away but the influence he’s had on me is massive. 

Favourite current player? Alisson & Onana - they’re such good technically aware goalkeepers who like to play with the ball at their feet. 

Best ground you’ve played at? North Ferriby FC - ground was like an absolute carpet. 

 

Best friend in football? I have many good friends in football - I would say Jamie Clarke, Tom Boyle are 2 of the closest and who I get on well with. 

 

Best player you’ve played against & why? There’s been so many players, the best that’s stood out against me is Scott Litchfield - he’s such a good striker. Very strong and knows where the net is. Nightmare to face as a goalkeeper. 

Stranded on an island with 3 ex or current team mates. Who would you want with you and why? Let’s go with current team mates for Southwell, I would choose Brad McDonald, Blair Bryant (my 2 centre backs. Absolute beasts!) and Cal Law - striker. They’re all physically strong and can help build shelters! 

Your All time 5 a side team of players you have played with? 

1 Keeper: - Sam Edwards - So good with the ball at his feet.

1 Defender: - Jobe Shaw - Very physically strong and insane in the air. Wins everything! 

2 Midfielders: - Jamie York & Jamie Clarke (Jamie Clarke plays every position I swear!) Both very calm and technically brilliant with the ball. 

1 Striker – Scott Litchfield - Such a poacher and powerful striker.

Best moment of your career? Has got to be playing for England Deaf - nothing comes close to this achievement. 

Go to initiation song? Three little birds - Bob Marley. Hardly any lyrics so it’s perfect! 

 

Pre match meal? I prefer pasta and chicken for a pre match. 

 

Messi or Ronaldo? They’re both absolutely incredible players and it’s an honour to grow up watching them both. If I had to choose one I would say Messi.

Alex representing England

How much are you looking forward to the Deaf Football World Championships in Malaysia? Very excited for this WC, we have a great squad with experienced and young hungry players all eager to impress, we have a very high chance at the championships to come away with something and that’s our main target.

What does it mean to you to play for the England Deaf national team? I can’t really put into words how proud and honoured I am that I’m able to pull the England shirt on and be able to say I play for my country. Not many people can say that, and it’s massive for me. My late grandfather and grandma were so proud of me for being selected for England, I’m doing this for them, to continue making them proud whenever they look down on me. It’s a massive honour to play for England, and one I hope continues for many more years.

Alex and the rest of the England team get their campaign underway on Saturday against Australia. With the schedule as follows. 

Sat 23/9  v Australia (20:30)

Mon 25/9 v Nigeria (16:30)

Weds 27/9 v Gabon (20:30)

Times are local, Malaysia is 7 hours ahead with all games live steamed on YouTube. 

Thank you Alex for taking time to answer the questions above and best of luck for the season and with England Deaf at the world championships, I will make sure I tune in. 

If you’re a player reading this and would like to be featuring on the blog. Please just drop me a message as I would love to feature you. 

Until the next one

Peace

Luke @PL2NL