‘Managers can end all the diving’
STOKE’S legendary hardman Denis Smith believes managers have the power to end the diving and play-acting which is blighting today’s game.
Smith, who has an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as football’s most injured player, is appalled at the simulation which has become commonplace in the Premier League.
“If you see people rolling around, they are not injured,” Smith said. “If you’re injured, you don’t move, believe me!”
Five broken legs, a shattered ankle, a chipped spine, breaks involving most of his fingers and toes, not to mention around 200 stitches during his playing career can help confirm that fact.
Having also managed a number of top-tier clubs, including Sunderland and West Brom, Smith insisted: “I look at the play-acting, the simulation, and think if that player was playing for me he wouldn’t be doing that. Players under me have never done that.
“In my view, managers can have a big say in stopping it. They could help eradicate this problem overnight.”
Smith, 70, points to former Stoke manager Tony Pulis, now at Middlesbrough, and ex-manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who have both taken stands against the cheats.
“I know Tony is someone who won’t accept players trying to con officials,” Smith added. “Ashley Young was told by Sir Alex Ferguson to cut out going to ground too easily. It was against Sir Alex’s principles.
“I know managers are under pressure to get results. Managers and pressure go hand in hand. They always have.
“Even so, I would love to see other managers take a strong view on diving.
“Tell the players it is not acceptable – and that they will be dropped if they continue doing it.”