Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith of Arsenal and England is a player oozing natural flair and ability, coupled with a typically dogged, British, soccer work ethic. She lit up the fields of Seton Hall in the Big East Conference, of WUSA for Philadelphia Charge and wowed fans in the uniform of the New Jersey Wildcats in the W-League. It has even been whispered, that she might just be ‘the best player in the world’ but then a catalog of serious injuries and England’s absence from major tournaments have robbed her of the chance to shine on the top international stage. That might just change come September …
The thing all of your fans in the US will want to know most is, how are you fitness-wise these days?
I am doing really well. I am fit and healthy and really enjoying my soccer with Arsenal. I feel my bad spell of injuries is finally over and I have been fully focused on playing and improving my game.
What is the standard of the English Premier League like compared to the W-League?
I would say it's similar. You have the top three or four teams over here: Arsenal, Everton, Leeds and Charlton that could compete and do well if they played the top three or four over in the USA. Over here, most of the national team players play for the top four teams, so the rest of the teams below are weaker.
Have you kept up to date with the talk and progress of a return of the pro league?
Yeah, I have. One of my friends over in the US sent me over recent newspaper reports when it was announced. I'm also in contact with Charlie Naimo (Sky Blue) as we’re good friends from my time out there. (Good luck this year in the W-League, Charlie!)
Do you plan to return to the U.S.?
I don’t have any immediate plans to return to the USA to play as I'm happy here in England, but never say never.
What is your role (in terms of work) at Arsenal?
I am the Arsenal Ladies Assistant Academy Director. My role is to coach and develop the skill and technical programs for the 30 players that are currently in the academy. The academy acts as our feeder program for our 1st team. The girls' ages range from 16-19 years old.
Do you get to watch the men? Do you have a fave player?
I’m always watching soccer. I think it’s the best way to learn the game. I get to watch the Arsenal men play when we are not travelling ourselves. Their new stadium (The Emirates) is amazing. Hopefully, the women’s team will get a game on there towards the end of this season. My favorite player to watch is Ryan Giggs of Man Utd. I love the way he runs at defenders with speed and control, and he hardly gives the ball away (plus, he’s left footed like me).
How is preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup going for you and the England squad?
We are all excited about China. We have had a busy schedule this year so far. We went to the Four Nations Tournament in January which was a great experience for us. A lot of lessons were learned that trip in terms of dealing with jetlag, adapting to the different food, or not adapting should I say, and playing games in a short amount of time. It was an eye-opener for all of us. I certainly feel better for it. It won't be such a shock to the system come September. In March we played Russia, Scotland and Holland on a 10 day trip, and we have a training camp coming up in La Manga, Spain. It’s all very exciting. We are heading in the right direction.
Do you feel that maybe you, personally, have something to prove in China?
I think so. I have played in two European Championships (2001 and 2005). I was not fully fit, due to injuries during the build up to both tournaments, and I have not fully shown the world what I can do. In China in January, I got a taster of what it’s gonna be like and I can't wait...
It was a good way to start the year for you...
Yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed playing against the best teams in the world - you don’t get any better than USA and Germany. We were disappointed with our first performance against China as we felt we showed them too much respect in the first half and were slow off the mark. To get two draws off the number 1 and 2 in the world was excellent for us and I was delighted to get the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
The US have their famous snack trunk, it gets them through when maybe the food isn’t great...did England do anything similar or might you have to consider it?
In China we all survived off porridge, toast, and cereal as the food wasn’t the best. Oh and we ordered from Pizza Hut a couple of nights to vary it. Some of the girls picked two chicken heads out of one of the meal trays that was on the buffet, so needless to say not many people ate that night … ha. We are taking our own chef out with us in September, and I’m sure a huge snack trunk or two will follow as well.
What do you miss most about your time at the Charge?
I miss all my Charge teammates. They were a great bunch of girls to play with. I miss the training environment everyday. I miss playing in front of our loyal home fans. I miss “Electra” our mascot doing back flips ... ha ... We had the cheesiest mascot!!!
Best memory of playing for the Charge?
My debut against San Diego, in front a full stadium. We won and I scored. And also playing with Doris Fitchen for one year and Marinette Pichon - two top players.
Want to give a shout to anyone in particular in the U.S.?
‘Hi,’ to Mark Krikorian (my former head coach at Philly now at Florida State University). All my former Seton Hall buddies and Charge teammates. Miss ya!!!