| Tomorrow week, Smith celebrates 10 years as a Dark Blue and, over that decade, he has served under Jim Duffy (twice), John McCormack, Jocky Scott and Ivano Bonetti, as well as Alan.
Those five have had differing styles of management and their own opinions on the game, but they are united in their admiration of the club captain, who is in the midst of his testimonial season.
“I quickly came to appreciate his qualities after I arrived here. I used to watch him in games and, to be honest, wondered how he did it, because he has never been the most athletic-looking player,” said Alan.
“However, he always seemed to be where he was meant to be or where the ball was and I respected that. My opinion of him is even higher now I am working with him and he is a very good pro to have around.
“He is one of those players who, whatever is asked of him, you know will go out and give it his best and, on the park, he takes responsibility. These days, it is rare to see a player have a testimonial season, but Barry deserves his.”
Meanwhile, with a long journey ahead of them to get to this weekend’s league fixture at Stranraer, the first team will head off on Friday and spend the night at a hotel in the south-west.
Funding for the trip is being provided by the Dundee Development Club. |
