Phil Smith

At the start of the season, precocious talent Phil Smith may have primarily been aiming to break into the CRC sixteen over the course of the season, with three goalkeepers vying for one starting berth.

But a change of manager brought a change in fortunes for Phil, and today he finds himself in direct competition with the Shane Herbert for the 'number 1' spot.

With the slightly more experienced Herbert required on occasion by Jimmy Quinn as Paul Crichton's understudy for the first-team, Phil received his chance with CRC and he has grabbed his opportunity with both gloved hands.

Although Shane Herbert has returned to the CRC fold in recent weeks, those at the club are now fully convinced Phil is a most capable deputy, and has a bright future ahead of him.

Phil has already appeared in three different competitions during his short time as a scholar - the highly competitive Ridgeons League Premier Division, the Ridgeons League cup with CRC, and the FA Youth Cup with Cambridge United Under 18's.

Performing on such a variety of stages and at such a variety of locations surely will aid Phil's development as a footballer and as an individual, and help him to achieve his ambitions to "earn a professional contract and become a regular first-team player."

In the future, Phil is determined to "play at the highest level possible", and lists his best qualities as this determination plus his commitment to reach the top.

It is encouraging that Phil has chosen Cambridge United as the place at which he can achieve his goals, and the influence of competing against men's teams week in week out surely cannot be underestimated.

At the academies of most clubs, youngsters do not receive this opportunity to 'cut their teeth' against adults and the different challenges posed by the adult league.

Phil feels "the club is moving forward and gives many opportunities to the youth team."

This is certainly true at Cambridge United, where youth has been a major source of input into the side.

Over the past few years, the likes of John Ruddy (pictured right), Trevor Benjamin and Danny Granville have come through the youth system to appear in the first-team and go on to pit their wits against the best - in the Premier League.

And another man who has progressed through the youth setup is Phil's namesake Stephen, who has just completed a successful month's loan with CRC and is a young player Phil and his team-mates can learn a great deal from.

Phil has plenty of time to fulfil his lofty ambitions; at just 16 years of age, the 'keeper already has more useful experience under his belt than many footballers three or four years older than him. This know-how will stand him in good stead for his future, and has indeed come to fruition with some excellent performances in the FA Youth Cup, as witnessed by increasing number of U's fans.

Furthermore, Phil will have witnessed the progress, in particular, of former Cambridge City men Robbie Simpson, Josh Simpson and Michael Gash. Phil himself came to the Cambridge United youth setup from Cambridge City where he received rave reviews from staff, especially following his debut for the Under 16's, when he produced a man-of-the-match display including a penalty save. He will surely be hoping to match such performances at Cambridge neighbours United.

The three former-City players are now experiencing regular first-team Conference football, and Phil, along with his CRC colleagues must surely feel such a goal is inherently attainable, especially for those first-year scholars such as Phil, who have the best part of eighteen months to progress and improve during their scholarships.

Norwich fan Phil has already had a taste of CUFC action; he lists his best moment so far in football as his appearance for the United first team in a pre-season friendly against former club Norwich City.

'Smithy' got his opportunity late on in the game, and gained the experience of playing in front of so many supporters and against such well-known and talented individuals.

As a youngster growing up Phil says he learnt a great deal from the Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel, who was a hero of his. There is surely no better role model for a goalkeeper to have and, needless to say, U's fans would be delighted if Phil were to emulate, or even come close to emulating the Danish stopper, after starting out at our famous United.

For one so young, Phil Smith already has myriad experiences to call upon to aid his progression through his two-year youth scholarship on to first-team honours. Though there is still a long way to go, Phil has certainly made an encouraging start to life as a footballer and we wish him all the best for this season and many more to come.

You can catch a glimpse of Phil and the players of tomorrow when the youth team takes on Crewe Alexandra in their FA Youth Cup third round tie at the Abbey Stadium on Thursday evening, at 7.15pm. Admission £4.00 adults and £2.00 concessions.

By Henry Milward

Previous Featured Players:
07Dec06: Danny Brown
23Nov06: Sam Cutler (scholar)
16Nov06: Robbie Simpson
02Nov06: Craig Bussens (scholar)
12Oct06: Michael Hyem (scholar)
06Oct06: Rob Wolleaston
25Sep06: Matt Kendrick (scholar)
20Sep06: Jon Brady
14Sep06: Mark Peters
11Sep06: Jordan Collins (scholar)

Last season's Featured Players:
16May06: Jon Brady
04May06: Tommy Jaszczun
26Apr06: David Bridges
20Apr06: Scott Howie
13Apr06: Craig Westcarr
22Mar06: Andy Duncan
15Mar06: David Bridges
01Feb06: David Chick
08Dec05: Michael Morrison
29Nov05: Ritchie Hanlon
25Oct05: Stephen Smith
05Oct05: Fola Onibuje
29Sep05: Mark Peters

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