Former Huddersfield Town hitman backs Bruce for Sunderland role

Jun 3 2009 By Examiner

Smith joined Bruce's Huddersfield Town in 2000, staying until 2003 and scoring 29 goals in 80 appearances, although injuries had already begun to hamper his career by that stage.

In the interview with North East paper The Shields Gazette, he said: "I was impressed by the way he handled himself in all aspects of the job back then, but you have to remember we're going back a few years to Huddersfield, and he's had more than half-a-dozen years to improve those skills."

Smith said the fact that Bruce is a Geordie shouldn't matter to Black Cats fans.

He added: "It shouldn't anyway because I don't think it's a big deal for him – he signed me, and I'm a Mackem!

"Mind you he did have a chuckle with me at the time saying that he was getting 'pelters' from his family and friends for bringing me in.

"He said they were saying they couldn't believe he'd gone out and signed one of the arch-Mackems!"