Alan Smith can emulate Ryan Giggs

I'm assuming a coaching role in Wealth Management!

 

"I've never been told directly Newcastle want rid of me. I could have gone out on loan, but the manager didn't want me to.

"If he said he wanted me to go I'd respect that, but he hasn't. It's weird.

"He says he wants me around and even offered me a coaching role if I pack in playing, but I'm too young for that.

It appears Pardew is giving him all the signals to stay around, as a player not just a coach. Not letting him go on loan, not telling him he wants rid, basically not fronting up. I can only assume Pardew is keeping him because we have such a thin squad. Of course it depends if you believe Smithy or not. Maybe he has been hearing what he wants to hear. The conversation might have went like this for all we know:

Alan P - "Look Alan there is no future for you here, I'm putting you on the transfer list, and I really think you should get your agent to find you a new club. We appreciate the efforts you made while here"

Alan S - "Yes boss, no problem I can start training early tomorrow"

Denial can be an ugly thing. Maybe Shola has had a word, he's been using the same tactic for 10 years and its been a roaring success. Plenty have tried, none have succeeded in getting rid. Smithy is not Shola though, he doesn't have the same range of hats to persuade people with.