A group of Leeds United supporters have been discussing former player Alan Smith after The Athletic’s Phil Hay shared an article he wrote on the subject of the ex-Leeds striker earlier this month via his Twitter account.
On this day in 2004, following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, Smith signed for Leeds’ bitter rivals Manchester United in a deal worth £7m (as per The Athletic). Hay’s piece claims that the former England international promised the Elland Road faithful he would never sign for United – so when he did, it felt like the ‘ultimate act of disloyalty’.
Here is how some of the fans have responded to the post on Twitter.
What a awful time that was….different universe now thank god
— Bite (@biteyerlegs70) May 26, 2020
Cheers for that Phil ?
— Ainsley (@AinsleyBarnett) May 26, 2020
Never forgive the man just as bad as that fool kewell
— Ritchie?? (@vaughans10) May 26, 2020
Will you stop tweeting that picture Phil!!
— Boots (@david_boothroyd) May 26, 2020
Have you forgiven Alan Smith for joining Manchester United?
Yes
No
Played up the fact he was a local lad to become a fans favourite, the truth is he grew up a Liverpool fan. Thought he was too big to play outside the prem league. Said he would never play for them to endear himself to fans (we know what happened next). He’s no Leeds legend.
— Sgt Arthur Wilson #stayhome (@SgtArthurWilson) May 26, 2020
Not now Phil. Not like this.
— fc kahuna (@fckahuna) May 26, 2020
Terrible birthday present.
— Tyler Patterson (@TLLPatterson) May 26, 2020
?
— Jon W. (@jonnywheels80) May 26, 2020
What do we think?
It’s clear from the above responses that these Leeds fans haven’t forgiven Smith for joining Manchester United and don’t appreciate Hay too much for reminding them of such a difficult time in the club’s history.