HOW LOW CAN YOU GO, ZO?
Towering Rangers star Matt leaves Zola in a Hole
A 6ft 6in giant who used to play non-League football just a few miles away from Birmingham City put Gianfranco Zola’s job on the line.
Matt Smith’s family have strong Birmingham traditions but he led QPR’s onslaught with his first goal since a £500,000 transfer from Fulham.
Smith bombarded Birmingham while his dad Ian, a Blues player from the 1950s , watched from the stands.
“My dad used to play for Birmingham and he does the hospitality now,” said Smith Jnr, who was born in the Second City.
“Dad was in the directors’ box so it was weird to look up and see him there. But he was definitely a QPR fan for the day.”
Six years ago, Smith the younger was hammering in goals for Solihull Moors, one of half a dozen non-league clubs he played for.
But he just loves facing Birmingham. He has bagged four goals against them so far in a league career that has also taken him to Oldham, Leeds and Bristol City. Smith could have had a hattrick as he terrorised a Blues team that has won once in Zola’s 14 games in charge.
“We’re marching our way back up to the middle of the table,” said Smith.
“This result should kick-start us for the rest of the season.”
Birmingham have nose-dived from sixth to 14th since owner Paul Suen made the shock decision to sack popular and successful Gary Rowett and bring in Zola (right) four months ago.
Rangers ended their own run of five without a win as they raced into a 4-0 lead, with Smith, Conor Washington, Idrissa Sylla and Yeni Ngbakoto scoring a goal apiece. Emilio Nsue got an injurytime consolation effort for City
“I am not Mr Zola, I have not got the ability that he had, but I will have a go,” said Rangers boss Ian Holloway.
“That is what it is going to say on my gravestone: Here lies Ollie. He had a go.
“I have wanted Smithy for ages. He’s still catching up to speed but he’s such a handful – and what a brilliant header.
“The last thing you want is him towering above you.”
Holloway also apologised for QPR fans baiting Zola with chants of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’.
“I will apologise to Mr Zola for that,” said Holloway. “He deserves much better.”