Gary O’Neil
Gary O’Neil says stand-in captain Adam Smith has been “brilliant” for him in the past few weeks, Asked how much 31-year-old Smith’s experience has helped him in recent weeks, since stepping up into the role as interim head coach following the departure of Scott Parker,
Gary O’Neil said “He’s been brilliant for me around the place. As a leader and as a senior pro, he’s always good. He always wants to set standards in training a certain way, but also on the pitch his performances have been really good for me as well. So I’m pleased to have him in the squad.”
London-born Smith, who first joined Cherries more than a decade ago, before arriving permanently from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, has played more than 300 games for the club. This season, he has impressed on both the right and centre of defence.
Gary O’Neil said “He always wants to set standards.””He is a good athlete. He’s a good defender. He’s intelligent with his positioning. Being 31 has made no difference to him.”
Speaking last month, O’Neil explained how key he felt the role of captain was on the pitch.
Gary O’Neil said “There is an importance to it, definitely. I think everyone does it in their own way. But also, everyone needs to play their part in making sure the group is in the right place. Although the captain sort of sets that off for you, we’re fortunate here that the lads all drive each other really well. Whether that be in game, whether we have to respond to difficult moments, whether we need to manage ourselves in good moments. They’re really good at that as a group. Captaincy is important, but the mentality and intensity of the group is the key driver really.”
Full-back Smith has played every minute so far in O’Neil’s four games as interim boss. The Cherries stalwart has also taken on further responsibility in recent weeks, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of injured skipper Lloyd Kelly. With Kelly continuing to struggle with his ankle complaint, it is likely Smith will again lead the team out this weekend, when Leicester City visit Vitality Stadium.
