Phil Hay: Andrea Radrizzani has held talks with Alan Smith over Leeds role
Leeds United majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani has held talks with Alan Smith over a potential ambassador role at Elland Road, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist revealed that the Whites are interested in reconciliation with the ex-forward, who doesn’t have the best of relationships with fans after his move to Manchester United back in 2004.
Smith isn’t said to be keen on that role though despite discussions already taking place between the two parties.
Hay shared the news on Wednesday on the Athletic, and it isn’t news that will get Leeds fans particularly excited.
“Leeds are enthusiastic about the idea of reconciliation,” he wrote.
“The club and their majority shareholder, Andrea Radrizzani, have spoken to Smith about an ambassador role but Smith isn’t keen.”
It was also revealed that Smith’s name popped up in discussions for a coaching role when Marcelo Bielsa arrived at the club, but he instead opted to promote Carlos Corberan alongside his academy duties.
It would be a brave move to make for both Leeds and Smith, but with the club in a totally different direction now as to what it was back then, some of the dust on that may have settled.
That still may not be the case though. We remember a pre-season friendly against Newcastle at St James’ Park back in 2009, where Smith was jeered for the entire 90 minutes. That was five years after the move so it’s clear to say that the fans never forget.
It is reported by Hay that Smith is content without constant football in his life though, so it may be some time before he accepts any role to do with that.
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