NAME: ANDY SMITH
AGE: 38
NICKNAME: SMIFFY
TEAM: ARSENAL
JOINED HAFC: 2002/3 SEASON
COACHING QUALIFICATIONS: FA LEVEL 1 COACHING CERTIFICATE
CURRENT POSITION: UNDER 18 EAGLES MANAGER
BIOGRAPHY:
Having moved to Essex in 1982, Andy's first taste of club football was the 1982-1983 season when having joined Hawkwell Athletic he was first managed by Stan Lewis.
Unfortunately with age, Stan's memory must have gone because he has no recollection of the Messi like brilliance, Henry style pace and Rooney like finishing that Andy recalls having throughout his junior years!!!
Andy then played at various local clubs throughout his school years, with his best achievement playing at Stambridge in the 1986-87 season (The year Alan Brazil played for the 1st team - Google Alan Brazil, it's true!!!) Having moved away from Essex after school Andy returned to live in Hawkwell in 2000 with a wife, a 5 year old son and a newly born daughter.
Andy's boy, Albert signed for Hawkwell at the earliest opportunity, following in Dad's footsteps. However after a year, the then manager moved from Essex and having been approached by parents, Andy began his journey into management. 2 seasons as mini soccer manager were then ended by work commitments, although Andy kept his hand in by putting on midweek coaching sessions for the lads.
Albert remained with Hawkwell Athletic and in 2009 a new manager asked if Andy would be his assistant and arrange the coaching. Andy agreed, and 12 months later ............ the manager left the country! Again Andy stepped into the breach and so began his 2nd stint of management. With a very able assistant in Andy Wiggins Andy has assembled a very strong side (still including Albert and now U18) who have risen to the Premier League and have every chance of success in the league and cup competitions. However, in Andy's eyes it isn't about the winning .............. still married, and now with 4 kids he's happy just to have a good excuse to spend Saturdays and Sundays away from the house!!!