I’ve come a long way from next door to the Etihad
ROBINS HERO SMITH GETS DREAM CHANCE TO PLAY AT THE STADIUM HE USED TO DRIVE PAST ON THE WAY TO TRAINING
KOREY SMITH used to gaze enviously at the Etihad Stadium on his way to work and dream of what it might be like to play there. the game.” It was City head coach Johnson who signed Smith for Oldham during his spell in charge there. When he moved to Ashton Gate in 2016, the combative midfielder followed and was made captain.
“I owe the gaffer a lot. During my time with City, my self-belief has soared,” said Smith.
“I don’t think you can get a bigger boost to confidence than scoring the winner against Manchester United. That goal will live with me forever. It brought the city, the club and even families together and I’ll always be grateful for the outpouring of love that followed.
“Now there is a chance for another hero to emerge in the semi-finals. We face an amazing team with an amazing manager, but we believe we can get a result that keeps the tie alive for the second leg.”
For Johnson (left), who outwitted Jose Mourinho in the quarter-finals, taking on Pep Guardiola will be another opportunity to show his credentials as a top young English coach.
He said: “To get moments with guys of this stature is huge. Jose was fantastic and I am sure Pep will be the same. Manchester City will one day be regarded among the best teams ever to have graced England.
“But there was no fluke about our win over United and if we can keep our concentration over the two games, we will compete again.
“A lot of teams stand off Manchester City. We’re in credit with our fans after a fantastic run, so we can have a go.”