Swindon Town

SCOTT Lindsey, Town’s Under-18s manager was not surprised to see Tom Smith, one of his scholars, step off the bench for the first team at Crewe last weekend.

As someone who works with the youngster on a daily basis, Lindsey lauded the midfielder’s attitude and application.

“I’m very proud of Tom Smith,” he said. “It’s no surprise to me that he’s in the first team. He works extremely hard every day, his attitude is first class as a professional. He’s a very good pro in terms of he wants to do more and he wants to be the best, he wants to know what food to eat and he’s always in the gym. He’s always looking to improve himself so, with that attitude, he’s got a realistic chance of becoming a footballer and having a good career in the game.”

He added: “It’s extra pleasing to see him score. I know he’s been doing individual work on his finishing. He doesn’t tend to get too high up the pitch as he plays a deeper role in the youth team but when he does get forward, he’s dangerous. If he picks the ball up in a good area then, nine times out of ten, he will hit the target.”

Smith was one of a handful of either academy graduates or current youth team members on the Town bench at the Alexandra Stadium and Lindsey believes that their experience of being with the first team is invaluable.

“It’s a great experience just being involved and in and around the first team,” he declared. “It is something that they will eventually do anyway so it’s really important for them that they take on board what happens and listen and learn while they’re on the bench. They’re not just there to watch a game of football but to learn from the experience. It’s great for them.”