Smith back in from the cold

Tommy Smith can understand if some All Whites fans are unwilling to welcome him back with open arms.

After all, the 26-year-old hasn’t played for New Zealand since 2014, with a fair bit of drama playing out in that time, including All Whites coach Anthony Hudson leaving him out of his Oceania Nations Cup squad last year after becoming frustrated with the Ipswich Town defender’s lack of commitment.

But here Smith is now, in the flesh, in Wellington and prepared to try and win the fans over again.

‘‘I can understand them [fans] questioning me to be honest, but like I said there are factors there that I don’t want to get into, it’s down to me now to prove them wrong and show my commitment and win them over.’’

Those factors he referred to were alluded to many times during his media appearance yesterday, with Smith saying there was more to his unavailability over the last two and a half years than was known by the public.

But Smith said he wouldn’t elaborate on what those were.

‘‘I’d rather leave the past in the past and move on going forward now. I’m excited to be a part of things and am 100 per cent committed to hopefully making history again with the All Whites.’’

Smith missed an All Whites match in late 2015 to propose to his girlfriend and has said the wedding is being planned for June this year.

The only problem with that is the All Whites play the Confederations Cup, as well as lead up games, from June 2 to 24.

If New Zealand made the final, they would be in Russia until July 2, but Smith said the wedding date was not yet set in stone.

‘‘There’s no fixed date surrounding it. Obviously I need to get into the squad first and foremost, but I haven’t spoken to Anthony about it yet, it’s something we’re going to sit down and discuss on this tour hopefully.’’

All Smith can focus on now is playing well against Fiji in their two upcoming matches.

He said there had been a massive increase in the professionalism within the camp since he was last involved, paying tribute to Hudson for his work in that area.

The addition of United Kingdom-based assistant coach Peter Taylor was a welcome addition as well, Smith said, having worked with Taylor as a 17-year-old on loan at the then-english non-league club Stevenage.

‘‘He was my first manager at first-team level.

‘‘I’m indebted to him really for thrusting me into men’s football initially, so I’ve got a really good personal relationship with him and his experience over in England is going to stand him in good stead.

‘‘It’s nice to see him and have him come to games,’’ Smith said.