I am a big believer in mentors, it doesn’t matter how good a player you are you still need a mentor to teach you the other things about the profession that’s not part of playing, the etiquette etc. This can be seen in all walks of life and in every job, good mentors create good employees. Bad mentors or toxic leaders create bad atmospheres and people and teams suffer greatly.

Going back to Smith I think he would be a great mentor, his playing ability is good and he will pass some things on but it’s his experience off the field that will be invaluable, especially to a very young rookie coming into a big world. Don’t under estimate this.

I do however think for Smith this isn’t the right place based on his wishes. He has clearly said he still wants to play and be a starter. It’s highly unlikely he will get that here.

---