Wallace backs Smith to shine

Smith was unveiled as Graham Westley's successor at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

The 43-year-old, who began his coaching career with Wimbledon and had spells at Wycombe and Watford before joining Arsenal's staff in 2007, has had an impressive introduction to management in MLS, guiding the Colorado Rapids to the Championship Cup in 2010 and the play-offs in 2011 despite working with the lowest budget in the league.

Wallace said: "I understand this is a different approach but I believe it's a fresh, exciting appointment in the Stevenage way. We want young management who are motivated to succeed.

"Gary is young but he has already won silverware at the highest level possible in the US and now wants the opportunity to make his mark on the English game. I'm sure the experience of winning a championship in the US has added to his all-round skill set and will serve him well.

"He has the values we seek at Stevenage and we will look to the future with excitement as we continue to build the club off the pitch as well as on it."