Football: Smith explains international U-turn

Tommy Smith. Photo / Greg Bowker.

An uncompromising stance from New Zealand Football turned Tommy Smith off playing for the All Whites, but a change in personnel and culture has drawn him back into the fold.

Smith is in Nanchang with the All Whites squad preparing for internationals against China and Thailand and tonight spoke to New Zealand media for the first time about his U-turn after having announced his exile from international football in August.

Smith said he had been frustrated about issues with the national team for some time, but was advised not to speak out.

"It was a long time coming," Smith said about his decision to take a year out. "New Zealand Football was uncompromising in a lot of ways, but the culture and personnel have now changed and I'm sure something like that won't happen again. I've been assured of that."

"Organisational issues were a long way off what a professional club or confederation should be like, but after speaking with players who had been on the previous trip, they are all delighted with how things are going and the players are a big part of why I have changed my mind and decided to be part of things again."

Smith thought taking a year out from the national fold would benefit him from a club point of view, and he said he also wanted to give less experienced All Whites players a chance to develop.

"Obviously circumstances have changed, I sat down with Anthony a few weeks ago and he managed to convince me and I was really excited about the prospect of what's going on here.

"It was his real commitment and drive to make things better. We have been in a bit of a lull over the past few years since qualifying for the World Cup and Anthony was very focused about what we had to do to get back there. I was excited about the prospect of being involved with that."

Smith sat down with the All Whites squad and outlined his position.

"We had a real clear the air talk. I didn't want people holding grudges, or not knowing the finer details so hopefully I've managed to clear the air there. Obviously there are still people like Winston and Mossy who I need to sit down with and have a chat so we're all working off the same page."

And he admits he still has some work to do.

"There were players who weren't too happy with my decision to take time out so I need to sit down with them and convince them I am committed to the cause, which I am. Whenever Anthony wants to pick me for one of his squads I'm available for selection. I am committed to the All Whites.

Smith said he had 'no hard feelings' against the management group prior to Hudson's arrival.

"They were doing their job to the best of their ability but I don't want to criticise too much because I got on very well with those people."

Smith had been on the Ipswich Town bench for six weeks before announcing he wanted to play for the All Whites again but said his decision to return to the national team was not about game time.

"I've started the last four games back in the Ipswich side so if the only reason I wanted to come back and play for the All Whites was game time, I wouldn't have needed that anymore, so that's not true.

"It's not nice to see all that stuff said about me, but I was advised not to come out and exacerbate things so I bided my time, bit my tongue. But I never said I would never play for the All Whites again.

"I'm hoping the New Zealand public will understand my reasons. The only way I can show that is by performing on the pitch."