Alan Smith is a slightly less divisive figure amongst the Leeds United fans than he was 14 years ago.
It was not difficult for Leeds fans to find a reason to smile yesterday as they watched Marcelo Bielsa’s side travel for what seemingly promised to be a difficult game against Derby County at Pride Park.
The 3-1 win over Stoke City saw Leeds play some of the most exciting football of the opening weekend of the season, but it appeared that the Whites would similarly have to be at the top of their game for the clash against the Rams with many people tipping Frank Lampard to guide the club to promotion this season, especially after an extremely busy summer.
But once again, it was Leeds who took the spoils with some exhilarating football – particularly in the final third – that gave them a 4-1 win to lift them up to second in the Championship.
Mateusz Klich continued to prove last season’s critics wrong as he followed his goal last week with a stunning finish into the bottom corner from just outside the box in the opening stages.
Like Stoke last week, the goal appeared to wake Derby up. But unlike their former boss Gary Rowett’s new side, the Rams were able to take advantage with Tom Lawrence scoring a superb free-kick that moved violently as it soared past Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Kemar Roofe was again fantastic, and provided goals either side of the break to bring the contest back under Leeds’ control. A wonderful header shortly after Derby’s equaliser was followed by some delicious footwork on the edge of the box on the hour-mark to leave Leeds 3-1 ahead.
Gjanni Alioski put the finishing touches on the victory four minutes later and Leeds were suddenly in the incredible position of looking to push for a fifth goal against the home side. It was not to come, but that certainly did not matter to the supporters.
And one of the men who was in attendance to support Bielsa’s side was Alan Smith. The 37-year-old is a slightly less divisive figure amongst the fans than he was back in 2004 when he swapped Elland Road for Old Trafford following Leeds’ relegation.
The former England international made 228 appearances for the Whites in all competitions before leaving – helping the club reach the Champions League semi-final at one stage – and now that much of the hurt over his move 14 years ago has subsided, it appears to have given a lot of fans even more reason to smile that Smith was in the crowd supporting Leeds on Saturday.
Here is the image showing Smith at the game…
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