Alan Smith
@alansmith90.bsky.social
Daily Mirror football and athletics reporter
Lee Grant served a 3-year apprenticeship under Britain’s best young manager
Now he’s ready to step out from under the wing of Kieran McKenna and lead Huddersfield to the Championship
Spoke to the ex #MUFC keeper about a job already absorbing every waking minute
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Now he’s ready to step out from under the wing of Kieran McKenna and lead Huddersfield to the Championship
Spoke to the ex #MUFC keeper about a job already absorbing every waking minute
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Kieran McKenna's right-hand man to take Man Utd lessons into EFL managerial bow
Lee Grant has learnt plenty from Kieran McKenna during his time as an assistant at Ipswich but is now ready to be the main man at Huddersfield, who kick off their League One campaign against Leyton Or...
www.mirror.co.uk
August 1, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Lee Grant served a 3-year apprenticeship under Britain’s best young manager
Now he’s ready to step out from under the wing of Kieran McKenna and lead Huddersfield to the Championship
Spoke to the ex #MUFC keeper about a job already absorbing every waking minute
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Now he’s ready to step out from under the wing of Kieran McKenna and lead Huddersfield to the Championship
Spoke to the ex #MUFC keeper about a job already absorbing every waking minute
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Faith Kipyegon prediction: she will go through halfway on target but slow in third lap and run 4:03.36.
Either way it's all another great bit of marketing from Nike
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
Either way it's all another great bit of marketing from Nike
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
Inside Nike's Breaking4 as Faith Kipyegon looks to go where no woman has before
Faith Kipyegon will look to become the first woman to break four minutes for a mile in Paris tonight, helped by her sponsor's full box of science and innovation tricks
www.mirror.co.uk
June 26, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Faith Kipyegon prediction: she will go through halfway on target but slow in third lap and run 4:03.36.
Either way it's all another great bit of marketing from Nike
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
Either way it's all another great bit of marketing from Nike
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
Finally succumbed to signing up for a free DAZN account to check in on Copa del Gianni ... and before could even browse the menu was immediately greeted with "claim £30 in free bets" - truly an immersive, all bases covered experience
June 17, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Finally succumbed to signing up for a free DAZN account to check in on Copa del Gianni ... and before could even browse the menu was immediately greeted with "claim £30 in free bets" - truly an immersive, all bases covered experience
Sad state of affairs for 10,000m running
Emile Cairess, Britain’s best long-distance athlete, winning the national title in front of, well, a handful of people at an event that was barely publicised
Emile Cairess, Britain’s best long-distance athlete, winning the national title in front of, well, a handful of people at an event that was barely publicised
June 14, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Sad state of affairs for 10,000m running
Emile Cairess, Britain’s best long-distance athlete, winning the national title in front of, well, a handful of people at an event that was barely publicised
Emile Cairess, Britain’s best long-distance athlete, winning the national title in front of, well, a handful of people at an event that was barely publicised
Release the handbrake, Thomas
June 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Release the handbrake, Thomas
Daryll Neita interview on her big move to the US, advice from new training partner Noah Lyles, what impressed her about working out with Gout Gout and why she is 100% sure that the global individual medal will come after coming so close in Paris
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
Daryll Neita making most of advice from Noah Lyles and training with Gout Gout
British sprint star Daryll Neita moved from Italy to Florida after last summer's Olympics so she could redouble her efforts to win a first individual major medal
www.mirror.co.uk
June 6, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Daryll Neita interview on her big move to the US, advice from new training partner Noah Lyles, what impressed her about working out with Gout Gout and why she is 100% sure that the global individual medal will come after coming so close in Paris
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/other-...
Catching up on Grand Slam Track from last night. Reasonable crowd but the TV “experience” remains an absolute dud – 30mins in and there have been two 400mH races, less than 2mins of action
June 1, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Catching up on Grand Slam Track from last night. Reasonable crowd but the TV “experience” remains an absolute dud – 30mins in and there have been two 400mH races, less than 2mins of action
Enzo Maresca comes up against "professional dad" Manuel Pellegrini tonight. Regardless of the result they'll still spend the summer drinking beers around the swimming pool
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
"Professional dad" Manuel Pellegrini inspired Enzo Maresca to become a coach
Chelsea face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday night and the Blues' boss Enzo Maresca might never have become a coach were it not for his rival
www.mirror.co.uk
May 28, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Enzo Maresca comes up against "professional dad" Manuel Pellegrini tonight. Regardless of the result they'll still spend the summer drinking beers around the swimming pool
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Omar Berrada says Man Utd must be "prudent" this summer despite closing in on £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Omar Berrada issues Manchester United transfer warning after Matheus Cunha deal
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada says the club must be "prudent" this summer after season of "transformation" that has seen a series of "tough decisions" made at Old Trafford
www.mirror.co.uk
May 28, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Omar Berrada says Man Utd must be "prudent" this summer despite closing in on £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Joe Cole says Chelsea need continuity and owners deserve two more years before judgment is made on their strategy... then again he also reckons they need to sign Osimhen or Watkins this summer
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Joe Cole names two transfers Chelsea must target for Enzo Maresca to close gap
Chelsea are back in the Champions League and former midfielder Joe Cole reckons a proven goalscorer is a must if Enzo Maresca's team are to close the gap further on the top three next season
www.mirror.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Joe Cole says Chelsea need continuity and owners deserve two more years before judgment is made on their strategy... then again he also reckons they need to sign Osimhen or Watkins this summer
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ryan Yates tells Nottingham Forest to set sights on winning next season's Conference League after shaking off disappointment of final day
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Nottingham Forest star names ambitious target after missing Champions League
Ryan Yates wants Nottingham Forest to target going all the way in next season's Conference League once Nuno's team have shaken off the disappointment of missing out on a top five finish because of las...
www.mirror.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Ryan Yates tells Nottingham Forest to set sights on winning next season's Conference League after shaking off disappointment of final day
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Lego-loving Levi Colwill on Chelsea completing the set tomorrow night, Enzo Maresca building his masterpiece brick by brick, Home Alone and being a leader
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Levi Colwill's surprise hobby to help take Chelsea star's mind off football
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who is calling on his team-mates to complete the set in tomorrow's Conference League final, explains how love of Lego helped him through difficult moments last season
www.mirror.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Lego-loving Levi Colwill on Chelsea completing the set tomorrow night, Enzo Maresca building his masterpiece brick by brick, Home Alone and being a leader
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Todd Boehly was quickly on to the pitch at Forest yesterday to give Enzo Maresca a big hug. Still some doubts around the style and they need a striker if to close the gap further next season - but management of a difficult game yesterday was quite impressive
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
What Todd Boehly did at final whistle as Chelsea clinch Champions League place
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 0-1 CHELSEA: Levi Colwill sealed Chelsea's return to the Champions League with the only goal at the City Ground as Enzo Maresca's young side show big signs of development
www.mirror.co.uk
May 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Todd Boehly was quickly on to the pitch at Forest yesterday to give Enzo Maresca a big hug. Still some doubts around the style and they need a striker if to close the gap further next season - but management of a difficult game yesterday was quite impressive
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Interview with Richie Wellens on how not being committed enough during Man Utd's greatest years has shaped his management style, why he wouldn't want his sons to experience football in the 90s and maybe getting a text from Sir Alex Ferguson if Orient win today
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
From Man Utd failure to shot at Wembley glory for EFL's most under-rated manager
Richie Wellens is aiming to bring Leyton Orient to the Championship on Sunday having learnt up close from Sir Alex Ferguson when a young player at Manchester United
www.mirror.co.uk
May 25, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Interview with Richie Wellens on how not being committed enough during Man Utd's greatest years has shaped his management style, why he wouldn't want his sons to experience football in the 90s and maybe getting a text from Sir Alex Ferguson if Orient win today
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Alan Smith
I wrote for the Guardian’s Saturday magazine about my son Max, who changed how I see the world. Took ages. More jokes after the first bit.
Thanks Merope Mills for being the most patient and generous editor.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Thanks Merope Mills for being the most patient and generous editor.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
The boy who came back: the near-death, and changed life, of my son Max
It was, we were told, a case of sudden infant death syndrome interrupted. What followed would transform my understanding of parenting, disability and the breadth of what makes a meaningful life
www.theguardian.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:51 AM
I wrote for the Guardian’s Saturday magazine about my son Max, who changed how I see the world. Took ages. More jokes after the first bit.
Thanks Merope Mills for being the most patient and generous editor.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Thanks Merope Mills for being the most patient and generous editor.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
If Spurs hang on here the other six London clubs will have lifted trophies more recently than Arsenal (unless they want to include the Community Shield)
May 21, 2025 at 8:20 PM
If Spurs hang on here the other six London clubs will have lifted trophies more recently than Arsenal (unless they want to include the Community Shield)
Micky van de Ven on his famous detective dad, being told he was too slow to make it as a pro, proving doubters wrong and his relationship with Cristian Romero
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Micky van de Ven ready to prove doubters wrong as he makes Europa final vow
The Premier League's fastest ever player Micky van de Ven is used to silencing critics having been told as a teenager that he was too slow to become a professional footballer
www.mirror.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Micky van de Ven on his famous detective dad, being told he was too slow to make it as a pro, proving doubters wrong and his relationship with Cristian Romero
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Pedro Porro talking about "magnificent" Ruben Amorim's influence when he was coached by him at Sporting Lisbon
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Spurs star says "magnificent" Ruben Amorim is driving force behind his career
Pedro Porro spent three years being coached by Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon with Manchester United head coach once describing relationship with Spurs defender as "more than a professional one"
www.mirror.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Pedro Porro talking about "magnificent" Ruben Amorim's influence when he was coached by him at Sporting Lisbon
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Brennan Johnson on why Spurs' three wins against Man Utd this season count for nothing tonight and the work that has gone into scoring all those back-post goals this season
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Brennan Johnson names key reason behind Spurs' recent dominance over Man Utd
Ange Postecoglou has already guided Spurs to three wins over Manchester United this season and Brennan Johnson believes it is because the game plan has been different on every occasion
www.mirror.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Brennan Johnson on why Spurs' three wins against Man Utd this season count for nothing tonight and the work that has gone into scoring all those back-post goals this season
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Vicario, who has already experienced the best and worst moments of his career this season, says Spurs squad understand their ability to change the entire narrative around the club tonight
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Guglielmo Vicario issues rallying cry to Spurs stars - 'Let's create history'
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has experienced the best and worst moments of his career already this season but the Italy international has echoed Ange Postecoglou's call for team to embrace c...
www.mirror.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Vicario, who has already experienced the best and worst moments of his career this season, says Spurs squad understand their ability to change the entire narrative around the club tonight
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Sonia Bompastor calls on Chelsea to turn domestic dominance into conquering Europe after sealing invincible Treble in front of Serena Williams but not Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who again fails to turn up for Man Utd Women's big day
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Chelsea Women win FA Cup to seal domestic Treble as Baltimore sinks Man Utd
CHELSEA 3-0 MANCHESTER UNITED: Sandy Baltimore scored first and last, either side of a header from Catarina Macario, as Sonia Bompastor's Blues won their third trophy of the season
www.mirror.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Sonia Bompastor calls on Chelsea to turn domestic dominance into conquering Europe after sealing invincible Treble in front of Serena Williams but not Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who again fails to turn up for Man Utd Women's big day
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Yves Bissouma hails Ange Postecoglou for deflecting so much criticism away from his players
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Yves Bissouma names the quality that sets Ange Postecoglou apart as Spurs boss
Yves Bissouma is hoping to repay the faith shown by Ange Postecoglou when Tottenham take on Manchester United in season-defining Europa League final on Wednesday night
www.mirror.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Yves Bissouma hails Ange Postecoglou for deflecting so much criticism away from his players
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Only Mohamed Salah and Jacob Murphy have more assists than Mikkel Damsgaard.
Brentford's front three may be hogging the acclaim but Thomas Frank reckons the Dane deserves praise for a breakthrough campaign after some difficult years
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Brentford's front three may be hogging the acclaim but Thomas Frank reckons the Dane deserves praise for a breakthrough campaign after some difficult years
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Thomas Frank pinpoints key to Brentford star's 'instrumental' breakout season
Thomas Frank has hailed Mikkel Damsgaard, who has provided 10 assists in his first full season without injury or illness since joining the club, as Brentford chase a record eighth-place finish
www.mirror.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Only Mohamed Salah and Jacob Murphy have more assists than Mikkel Damsgaard.
Brentford's front three may be hogging the acclaim but Thomas Frank reckons the Dane deserves praise for a breakthrough campaign after some difficult years
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Brentford's front three may be hogging the acclaim but Thomas Frank reckons the Dane deserves praise for a breakthrough campaign after some difficult years
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Off to Wembley for the Women's Cup final
An interview with Hannah Blundell, Man Utd's first mum on watching from the stands today, why pregnancy in the WSL remains "taboo" and why"very supportive" club have asked rivals for advice around returning to play
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
An interview with Hannah Blundell, Man Utd's first mum on watching from the stands today, why pregnancy in the WSL remains "taboo" and why"very supportive" club have asked rivals for advice around returning to play
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man Utd's first mum hails club after help from Arsenal over 'taboo' subject
Hannah Blundell will watch Man Utd attempt to defend their FA Cup title against Chelsea from the stands having given birth in March but she is already excited to return despite saying small number of ...
www.mirror.co.uk
May 18, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Off to Wembley for the Women's Cup final
An interview with Hannah Blundell, Man Utd's first mum on watching from the stands today, why pregnancy in the WSL remains "taboo" and why"very supportive" club have asked rivals for advice around returning to play
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
An interview with Hannah Blundell, Man Utd's first mum on watching from the stands today, why pregnancy in the WSL remains "taboo" and why"very supportive" club have asked rivals for advice around returning to play
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Brentford are only club apart from champions of Eng, Fr, Ger and Sp to have three players with 10+ goals – and they cost a fraction of the rest
No ground has seen more goals than the GTech’s 70
Asked Thomas Frank if their approach is down to feeling settled in PL:
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
No ground has seen more goals than the GTech’s 70
Asked Thomas Frank if their approach is down to feeling settled in PL:
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
Brentford trio are playing like champions as Liverpool and Euro giants matched
Brentford are one of only five teams across Europe's big leagues to have five players in double figures for league goals and Thomas Frank reckons he has the most valuable attack around
www.mirror.co.uk
May 17, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Brentford are only club apart from champions of Eng, Fr, Ger and Sp to have three players with 10+ goals – and they cost a fraction of the rest
No ground has seen more goals than the GTech’s 70
Asked Thomas Frank if their approach is down to feeling settled in PL:
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...
No ground has seen more goals than the GTech’s 70
Asked Thomas Frank if their approach is down to feeling settled in PL:
www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...