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Smith Could Be Named New Zealand Vice-Captain
Smith Could Be Named New Zealand Vice-Captain
Wednesday, 23rd May 2012 20:08

Town centre-half Tommy Smith could be named New Zealand’s vice-captain and be in line to ultimately succeed current skipper Ryan Nelsen. With Tottenham’s Nelsen, 34, missing next week’s Oceania Nations Cup games, which double as World Cup qualifiers, with an ankle injury, Smith could captain his side at the tournament.

Coach Ricki Herbert, who is looking to appoint someone "for future leadership", has confirmed that Smith and West Ham defender Winston Reid are candidates for the role vacated by Tim Brown, who has retired.

Herbert will make his decision when the All Whites are in the Solomon Islands for the Oceania Nations Cup matches.

Smith, 22, is set to start for New Zealand in tonight’s friendly with El Salvador in Houston. An interim captain is expected be named from the more senior players for that game and for Saturday’s game against Honduras, in Dallas.

The All Whites then travel to the Solomon Islands where they take on Fiji (June 2nd), Papua New Guinea (June 4th) and the hosts (June 6th) with all the matches played in the capital Honiara.

Smith, who has won nine full caps, is also expected to be in the New Zealand U23 squad — the Oly Whites - who play Belarus, Brazil and Egypt at the Olympics later in the summer, matches which mean he will miss much of the Blues’ pre-season programme.

Photo: Action Images


Photo: Action Images



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Mark added 20:29 - May 23
Good experience for Tommy. A future Ipswich captain maybe? I am hoping he may reach the potential for us that Magilton saw in him when he started a season as an 18-year-old. It's essential to bring in a quality, tall, strong, right-sided centre back to play alongside Smith I think, then let Delaney compete with both of them for a place.
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commuterblue added 20:31 - May 23
good for him. if he has a good season next year he could be contender for captain at town in 13/14.

I'm not normally a moaner but let's face it he can't be any worse than grant leadbitter. whatever you think of him as a player his leadership skills were awful.
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groovyASH added 20:32 - May 23
He's come through a tough time of it and become a better player; mentally especially.
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tim added 20:56 - May 23
He's the vice captain of the Ipswich Town pies of my heart.
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BuckieBlue added 21:09 - May 23
What a year this us turning out for Tommy, speak about onward and upward. The summer experience should bring him back to us a better player and at his age hopefully not too knackered for the new season!
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OutOfOffice added 21:30 - May 23
love headlines with the word 'could' in them.
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SamWhiteUK added 22:06 - May 23
Had a shocker at Colchester, now in line to captain his country at 22? What a turn-around, good luck to the lad!
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taylor15 added 22:12 - May 23
really happy for this guy. always felt sorry for him, but have always rated him. he's only young too, so he can only learn from his experiences. hope he keeps his spot too, if we can get one good centre back, and another to push tommy for his place, it'll definitely make him a better player! come on tommy, and come on you blues!!
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Mungo added 22:52 - May 23
Keep up the good work Tommy!
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afrodids added 16:16 - May 24
maybe tommy could persuade Ryan Nelsen to come to town he doesn't get a look in at spurs tbh didn't realise he was still there. They kept Italy quiet in the world cup.!!
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