Notts-Joe Column: Alan Smith's experience may be useful for Fullarton

A lot has been said during the period whereby Alan Smith was rumoured to be joining Plymouth Argyle, which I must admit I wasn’t all that bothered about. However, I do think Smith will be a great coach and someone ideal to have around as a backroom member of staff.

It’s just hard to envision him playing week in and out for Notts, perhaps as a part player who can make an impact in the important games – whereby a little grit in midfield will help Notts in those tough matches?

I do believe we can afford to allow players who will feature less this season permission to leave the club.

Yet at the time, I made the point about how a player like Alan Smith is important to have around other players such as Curtis Thompson – young hungry players looking to establish themselves and their careers.

He may also be an asset to Jamie Fullarton, who will require all the experience and help he can find.

As a new manager looking to gain managerial experience after a wealth of experience working with young players, it seems ideal to have someone who has been at the top and remained there for the majority of their career.

I’ve made it no secret that I believe Jamie Fullarton should have his own assistant, I still hope to see news filter out about this but in the meantime, I am sure the new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton will have other people to help him.

I honestly feel the majority of fans will realise it’s important for him to have his own No.2 and someone who he feels can guide him with the day to day tasks of football management.

Can Alan Smith be someone who can temporarily fill this gap, along with Richard Dryden?

Both Ricardo Moniz and Shaun Derry struggled during the tough tests faced, yet on paper, both had very good support in Dave Kevan and Greg Abbott. It’s for that reason why I feel it’s of vast importance but in the meanwhile – since Notts will be looking to gain a form of stability.

Maybe, just maybe Alan Smith will be more assistance off the field than on it.

There’s no doubt that he brings many different types of benefits, from interest due to his playing career, to his personality and passion for the game.

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