New Stevenage boss Gary Smith is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Harry Redknapp as his side look for an FA Cup upset.
Stevenage manager excited at chance to challenge Tottenham
New Stevenage boss Gary Smith is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Harry Redknapp as his side look for an FA Cup upset.
Smith has spent the last three years coaching Colorado Rapids in America but returns to England having been selected ahead of Paul Ince and Martin Keown, who were said to have shown interest in the post.
Having taken to the dugout for the first time on Tuesday night as his side beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0, Smith is now preparing for a baptism of fire with Stevenage hosting third-place Premier League side Tottenham at Broadhall Way on Sunday with an FA Cup quarter-final place up for grabs.
And the 43-year-old admits he is cannot wait to get involved in the FA Cup having always had a soft spot for the competition and never experiencing the same quality of tournament in America.
"When I was in America I always tried to keep an eye on what was happening in the FA Cup," he said.
Greatest
"I tried to see the draw and keep an eye on the games, although that was a bit of a challenge some times.
"It made me a little bit homesick when I was watching the draw or one of the games. Cup competitions are not a strength of American soccer.
"Here we have the FA Cup, and that's historically one of the greatest cup competitions in the world so to be part of it now and to be in the last 16 is a wonderful achievement and one that I hope we can all look back on with pride come Sunday evening."
Despite having family ties in close proximity to White Hart Lane, Smith's capital allegiances have always been in the red part of the city having been on trial with Arsenal as a schoolboy.
Upset
Although he has always supported the Gunners, Smith recognises there has been a changing of the guard with the London clubs this year.
"Spurs are 10 points clear of Arsenal so you would have to say there has been a slight shift this year," he added.
"I certainly lean towards the Arsenal side of north London, but I am very respectful of how this Spurs team has evolved over the last two or three years since Harry Redknapp has been in charge."
Stevenage dumped Newcastle out of the tournament in the third round while also beating Reading this season and Smith understands the beauty of the FA Cup is the fact league standings are irrelevant.
"Upsets are a big part of the FA Cup," he said. "It could happen and if we are going to have a chance, the best possible opportunity is going to come here at home."
