Fulham today confirmed that Academy
Director Alan Smith has left the club to take over as manager
of Crystal Palace. 
Smith joined Fulham in September
1997 and launched Fulham’s Academy in July 1998. Since then the
Under 19 side has twice finished second in its league and last
season they reached the semi-final of the Academy League Cup.
Managing Director, Michael Fiddy,
announced Smith’s departure, “We are sorry to see Alan leave but
we were unable to stand in his way once this opportunity presented
itself. Alan has established our Academy structure as one of the
best in the country and we thank him for his service.”
Assistant Academy Director, Glenn
Cockerill, has also left the club to assist Smith at Crystal
Palace.
Talking to Fulham Internet Manager
Paul Thorpe earlier today Smith said:
"I’ll be very sorry to leave.
I’ve had a great three years here. When I first came there was
no Academy and a very brittle youth set-up to say the least. In
my three years here I’ve served under five different managers,
I’ve particularly enjoyed this stay with Jean Tigana – I think
it’s been excellent watching him work. Due to Fulham’s generosity
I have been able to travel, see other countries and see how other
coaching work.
"I’m never going to lose my
love for Fulham, I probably will for the two games we’re going
to play this season because my job and reputation will be on the
line so we’ll need to take 6 points against Fulham if we can.
Nothing’s ever going to stop me coming down to Fulham, my family
support the Club. I’ve already spoken to my son an he certainly
has no intention of going over to Crystal Palace!
He added:
"In general terms I’ve had
a very good time here. I think these are now exiting times for
Fulham with Jean, Christian and Roger taking over. This is just
something that’s come completely out of the blue for me.
"I now need to take up that
challenge. There’s not a lot more I can do with Fulham’s Academy
here if I’m quite honest. It’s a pretty smooth operation and I’m
not quite sure how much further I could take it. It’s now accepted
as one of the best Academies in this country, we even get people
coming from abroad to look at it.
"I’ve got to try and take
a professional approach, I’ve been offered this job and whilst
it’s so easy to sit in a comfort zone, I think this is something
that’s going to stretch me having looked a Palace’s pre-season
results.
Smith finished by saying:
"Obviously my allegiance will
now be with Crystal Palace. They have great supporters and are
a good club. Wouldn't it be nice if we could both go up together?"