QA: Tommy Smith

How hard were you?

I was doing Bill Shankly’s garden for him in 1960, after my dad had died, and he said: “Son, here’s a bit of advice: don’t take any s*** from anyone.” I’ve lived like that for 40 years and I’m still here.

You v Roy Keane. Who would be the last man standing?

I’m not scared of anyone — except the wife. Keane was a good player, but I made myself into a unit that looked like he was going to kill you. I played against Jimmy Greaves once and I gave him a piece of paper on the pitch. It was the menu from the local hospital.

You’re marking Cristiano Ronaldo. Fancy your chances?

I played with Pelé in the United States, so I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. Don’t forget, football has changed. Nowadays they play on bowling greens with a bloody balloon. Ronaldo? No problem. He wouldn’t be rolling around on the pitch after I’d finished with him.

What went wrong at Liverpool?

Football’s not a sport any more, it’s a business. The Yanks who own the club are only there for the money. Rafael Benítez has bought some very good players, but he has also bought some very bad ones. Some are happy on the bench laughing and joking and picking up £50,000 a week.

What’s the most you ever earned?

The year we won the European Cup and the league I got £600 a week and that was including a £5,000 bonus for the European Cup and £5,000 for the league. It would have taken me six years to earn what Steven Gerrard earns in a week now.

Who was the hardest man you faced?

No one. I wasn’t frightened of anyone — they were all scared of me. I played as a full back once and I asked Joe Fagan what he wanted me to do. He said: “Go and stand next to their winger.” It worked.

Four titles, two FA Cups, two Uefa Cups, five Charity Shields and a European Cup — you weren’t short of material for your new book?

It’s all in there, it’s called Anfield Iron. It’s the story of a normal lad who lost his dad and then became a footballer because he loved the game.

Finally, Tommy, how lonely were all those early baths?

You’ve got the wrong bloke. I played 632 times for Liverpool and I never broke anyone’s leg and I only ever got sent off once. That was for dissent.

Interview by KAVEH SOLHEKOL

Comments

[jim]

The emphasis has swung too far away from hardmen in favour of the skill players. Players like Tommy S and Roy K are being phased out. Some fans like myself enjoy the gladiatorial element of sport. I like to see intimidation and toughness. Oh well, there's always rugby.

[JasonB]

I see from the comments that the humour is lost on some, its scouse, scouse/irish humour, apparently not to everyones taste but I laughed at every answer.

Whats the odds they are ManU fansboys?

[Bryan Morris]

Tommy Smith should not be denigrated, he was a player and remains a man of intensity, determination and humour. Being of an Evertonian persusasion I must remind readers however of Duncan McKenzie's ability to flick the ball over Tommy's head, beat him to the side, go back and beat him again. Good luck Tommy.

[Bob,Spain]

I watched Tommy Smith play on many occasions and can say that he wasn't dirty at all.Defenders years ago had to be hard because forwards then were hard as well.In the fifties the likes of Nat Lofthouse felt no pangs about getting stuck in, as Harry Gregg would confirm.No,we like our football to be a little namby pambyish these days like everything else.Oh,and Tommy was wrong,he did break someone's leg,his own!

[Chris]

What a joke of a man. Even George Best said the comparisons with Ronaldo were the only time it was a compliment to him. I'm all for respecting great players, but this bloke needs to learn a bit of respect himself.

[Paul G]

I respect what he achieved but what an idiot he sounds - I'm hard me.

In todays game my guess is that he would probably be good enough to adapt and play at the highest level but if he didnt he would become a liability to himself and his team.