Matt Smith

Media Relations Account Manager (Sport) @PressBoxPR 📧 [email protected] || Prev @UCFB, Freelance for Reach PLC, @ElevenSports, @ProstInt

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

Really enjoyed speaking with former #WBA boss Tony Pulis this week.

Spoke highly of his time at the club and, in hindsight, think most would be happy to rewind 7/8 years...

[West Brom Live @WestBromNews]

"I really really, enjoyed my time at Albion, even if I got a bit of stick from supporters at times!”

#wba https://t.co/sqIdH3Duds

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@CharlesJSturge @WG_RumblePants Whether you like it or not, that’s untrue.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@DAVIDTH76538792 @WG_RumblePants If it had taken longer, there may have been no World Cup and super over - who knows what sort of career plays out without that.

That’s just looking at things from a cricket perspective, too. Must be life-changing on and off the field.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@CharlesJSturge @WG_RumblePants On the radar, yes, but surely it makes a hugely significant impact?

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@DAVIDTH76538792 @WG_RumblePants But why criticise when it’s not justified? Especially his batting which was mentioned in the original post. Far bigger concerns.

I think anyone’s pace would’ve dropped given the thankless task he was given over the match.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@CharlesJSturge @WG_RumblePants Without RR giving him an IPL break in 2018, I find it tricky to believe he’d have been selected for England and the World Cup etc. It’s hard to criticise without being in the his shoes.

Just find it strange as, aside from Root’s knock, Jofra probably one of the only positives.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@DAVIDTH76538792 @WG_RumblePants No big concerns about his fitness for me, he’ll get stronger over the summer. Agree on consistency, yet would say the same applies for all our bowlers.

RR gave him his first IPL deal in 2018, and I doubt he’d have been picked for England without it. How can we really criticise?

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@Steve__Clare @ReeceLSport Sadly the critics seem to be the loudest. Let’s hope they don’t force one of our greatest into making a rash decision in the heat of the moment.

[Craz3 @believecheeks]

No one has done more for England cricket than Ben Stokes when they needed him the most. Deserves much better from ECB. 💔

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@Steve__Clare @ReeceLSport I’d suggest Stokes is a solid ambassador, Steve. You’d struggle to find someone who trains harder and consistently gives their all on the field for the good of English cricket. That’s what I want in a captain.

Broke broken a curfew, yes, but seems that’s it. Nobody is perfect.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@cjt0410170206 @JoelFourBases Who cares? He’s one of our best and should be celebrated.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@GeorgeDobell1 Spot on as usual. Why do ‘fans’ seem desperate to end the career of one of our greatest? Only ever see this with the England cricket team.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@Stumitchell87 @cerebrus187 @WG_RumblePants Yeah, it’s not a great look. But that’s all it is.

We saw the first Test at Lord’s was a fresh start from the Ashes. That’s what matters. Nothing else.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@cjt0410170206 @JoelFourBases They were ready for Lord’s last week.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@cerebrus187 @WG_RumblePants Huh? As a centrally contracted player they’re on the ECB’s payroll every day of the year.

Incident is nothing, yet England ‘fans’ want it to end a career.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@RJDhowzat @BumbleCricket Don’t buy into much of that, personally. Things happen. Performing in the next Test is what matters.

Incident just a massive storm in a teacup.

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@FredBoycott The match had literally finished??????

[Matt Smith @mattsport_]

@Stumitchell87 @cerebrus187 @WG_RumblePants Does it matter how long they were out for? Was Ben’s birthday on Thursday, celebrate as long as you want after winning a game. We’ve all done it.

Is it a great look? No. But is it worth ending an incredible career over? Not a chance. Serve a match ban and move on.