Sir Alex Ferguson admits it was a huge wrench to allow popular
striker Alan Smith to join Newcastle United.
The 26-year-old England international sealed a move to St James'
Park last week after a rollercoaster three years at Old
Trafford.
A well-liked figure with fans and colleagues alike, Sir Alex admits
Smith will be missed as he starts his career anew with the
Magpies.
"Alan has been a fantastic character in the dressing room and also
a very important player for us," Sir Alex is quoted as saying in
the Daily Express.
"There are few characters as big as him in this country at the
moment and it was a very difficult one for us to decide."
Smith's firebrand approach quickly endeared him to United fans,
despite his ties with previous club Leeds, and Sir Alex is
confident that he will receive a warm welcome whenever he returns
to Old Trafford.
"I was very sad to see him go," said the Gaffer. "He'll be
remembered with great affection by everyone here and I'm sure
that's the case with the fans."
