Win fans over

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 leadup 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.’’

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 England-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 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. It’s nice to have that sounding board.

‘‘Obviously for Anthony it’s hard for him to come and watch games all over the world where the players are, so having someone who can come in and you can chat to on a regular basis and not have to worry what time it is over there now [in New Zealand] is great.’’