Proud Smith collects loyalty bonus

Before seeing his side extend their unbeaten six game run on Saturday with a last gasp equaliser against Coalville Town, Smith was presented with a special award at Keys Park to mark the milestone by chairman Steve Price and secretary Terry McMahon, pictured left and right.

Smith, who left AFC Telford in the summer, returned in September 2017 for a second spell after guiding the Pitmen for five years from 2010 to 2015 and leading them in to the old Conference North.

After posting a record of 168 victories, 52 draws and 80 losses – his sides scoring 584 goals and conceding 405 along the way - he told fans he was proud to have clocked up 300 games at the helm after the 1-1 draw for an article on the Pitmen's website.

He said: “I’m just really proud; I think in this day and age it is an achievement. I have got to say that barring the first few weeks of being back this time I have enjoyed every single minute of it. I do feel as though it is a perfect fit for me being here. I’m really at my most relaxed here and I’m enjoying the journey again. It is a great place to be."

Picking out his highlights, he added: “For me the FC United play-off game sticks out as a memorable game but the West Auckland away game in the FA Cup is probably the most amazing game I’ve ever been involved in.

“There have been a lot of good ones over the years, winning at North Ferriby and other places like that also stand out but I’d say FC United and the West Auckland game were the main two and overall, it has been an unbelievable journey.”

To read the full interview visit: www.hednesfordtownfc.com/2018/01/proud-smith-looks-back-upon-his-300-hednesford-town-games

Images courtesy of hednesfordtownfc.com

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