Dave Smith stepping down

In the dealings I have had with Dave, he was always a top man.

Is this a case of another one being pushed out as the club had already brought in another commercial manager, I hope not.

Why does everyone automatically assume he's being pushed out?  He himself has said it's time for him to step back and spend more time with his family. As an ex top player he will have made a good pension out of the game so he's decided to retire and enjoy it while can.
Enjoy your retirement Dave all the best and thank you for all you've done for GTFC

I would assume it’s a bit of both as the club has brought someone in above Dave and that’s probably helped persuade him to take retirement now. Let’s be honest the club is trying to move forward and that will always mean changes in personnel both on and off the field and that’s no bad thing provided any departures are managed correctly which in the case of Dave appears to be the case.

Maybe Dave has been kind enough to advise his new bosses of his intention to step down in x amount of months.
His new proactive bosses have then decided to employ a replacement early enough to have a smooth hand over.

I mean, maybe they pushed him out though...

Quoted from arryarryarry

In the dealings I have had with Dave, he was always a top man.

Is this a case of another one being pushed out as the club had already brought in another commercial manager, I hope not.

the fact that he's giving an interview to Mariners TV suggests you're worry is misguided (none of the others who have left have done anything like that0

He's 54, had a good career, and looks like he fancies retirement.  I'm sure nothing more needs reading into it...
I wish him all the best in his retirement.

I mean the state of the club, the argument that they should’ve all gone is valid.

In Daves defence, he’s probably thought about it and realised he’s done what he can and taken the role as far as he can and sees this as a good opportunity for him to go and then help the club move forward.

Well respected, well thought of and decent bloke. I’m he’s welcome back any time…

Very nice bloke Dave Smith, but have we been as good as we can be commercially during his time at the club? Could we be better? I guess they’re the questions that need answering by people with more knowledge than me. For the club to move forward, sentimentality has to be put to one side. I’ve personally heard a couple of recent stories of long term employees of the club who let’s just say we might be better off without.

Quoted from mimma

Why does everyone automatically assume he's being pushed out? He himself has said it's time for him to step back and spend more time with his family. As an ex top player he will have made a good pension out of the game so he's decided to retire and enjoy it while can.
Enjoy your retirement Dave all the best and thank you for all you've done for GTFC

I didn't say he had or hadn't but I have been in business long enough to know the old saying that they want to spend time with their family is often a cover to they are being pushed out.

I just hope he hasn't.

Quoted from arryarryarry

I didn't say he had or hadn't but I have been in business long enough to know the old saying that they want to spend time with their family is often a cover to they are being pushed out.

I just hope he hasn't.

I don't think DS was being pushed out, i think deep down the role has changed i.e Media duties etc.  When DS first did the Mariners Youtube you could see how uncomfortable he looked as he hasn't done anything like that before.  

I did wonder when we went out for a Head of Commercial if Dave would end up leaving. I think the people that the board wanted to cast aside were done early doors and like others have said, he's received a much better send off than the others have done.

Well that was a surprise. I genuinely thought he had left a few seasons ago

Quoted from arryarryarry

I didn't say he had or hadn't but I have been in business long enough to know the old saying that they want to spend time with their family is often a cover to they are being pushed out.

I just hope he hasn't.

Whilst it may seem heartless, let’s assume he has been pushed out, do you think it’ll impact the club negatively? Are we missing any of the old guard?

Perhaps he just wants to look after elderly family members who don’t live in gy

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Well that was a surprise. I genuinely thought he had left a few seasons ago

I have the opposite experience. Dave is easily recognisable in his dapper suit as he makes his way across the pitch from the Main to the Upper a few minutes before kick off. Doesn't look like he's put a pound on since his playing days. I've still got a mug from the 1998 double Wembley season with a photo of Danny Coyne, Dave, Livvo and Macca on it.

I recently stayed in a holiday home owned by a former Town player. The pool guy said what a pleasant guy the owner was and also his friend, and former team mate, Dave Smith. That anecdote partially made up for having to miss the Rochdale and Sutton games.

I have had a few dealings with Dave and I have always found him engaging and easy to talk to. He has always gone out of his way to help others.

A genuine bloke who will be missed.

Sad to see Dave go but yet another legacy of the previous regime. I understand that another, perhaps less surprising, change has also taken place.

No disrespect to Dave who has worked hard as a player and as part of the staff and no doubt endured like many others in the Fenty era but I reckon this is another example of the leadership looking to bring in wider experience, skills and expertise at a time when someone decent moves on to another chapter.

Got the goal at Fulham away in the playoffs that famous year

Quoted from sydney

Got the goal at Fulham away in the playoffs that famous year

Debut goal against Brentford was alright, too (about 20 secs in). Didn't remember the pitch being that bad back in '98 though; the state of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk6tiqSJzHU

Dave is a thoroughly decent and nice person. Carried himself so well as a professional at GTFC in every role he fulfilled.

I loved watching him as a player, and enjoyed dealing with Dave in his commercial capacity, as far back as when he took up the role working with Tony Richardson. Always found him very professional, but better than that, a smashing person to have a conversation with.

He was also very good to me when I commenced the women’s football project, very supportive and did his best for the women’s team with things like getting hold of kit and training kit, which made them feel a big part of the club and valued.

Glad to have been able do some business with Dave, and I wish him all the very best for the future, with whatever he goes onto next.

All the best Smudge

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Sad to see Dave go but yet another legacy of the previous regime. I understand that another, perhaps less surprising, change has also taken place.

oooh, do tell us more (or give me a pm if you can't reveal it publicly!)

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Sad to see Dave go but yet another legacy of the previous regime. I understand that another, perhaps less surprising, change has also taken place.

Come on…..

Quoted from forza ivano

oooh, do tell us more (or give me a pm if you can't reveal it publicly!)

John Fenty has had a sex change. Be careful if you’re out in meggies at the weekend and happen to bump into a girl named ‘Joanne’ with a surprisingly large Adam’s apple and penchant for snooker and classlessly-implemented faux period interior design.

Whatever you do, don’t tickle her pink.

Dave was always a great host on the odd occasions i've ended up in McMenemy's for hospitality, and i'd usually make the effort to arrive early enough to join the behind the scenes pre-match tour he led each matchday. Just seemed a really nice guy and it was great hearing some anecdotes from his playing days as he led us around Blundell Park.

Let’s not forget the voluntary things he also did such as cycling to raise money for the YDA. Didn’t know him, ruffled his hair (possibly) in an over exuberant celebration v tranmere and heard some good, and some very negative things but, wish nothing more than the best for him and his family in the future

Forza and Coroner, sent you pm’s

Quoted from Poojah

John Fenty has had a sex change. Be careful if you’re out in meggies at the weekend and happen to bump into a girl named ‘Joanne’ with a surprisingly large Adam’s apple and penchant for snooker and classlessly-implemented faux period interior design.

Whatever you do, don’t tickle her pink.

Least they already have an extensive collection of roll necks to cover said Adam’s apple…

Top guy and will be missed at the club by many I’m sure.  Had many dealings with Dave over the years and was always professional, helpful and friendly.
Wishing him all the best.

Quoted from Croxton

I have the opposite experience. Dave is easily recognisable in his dapper suit as he makes his way across the pitch from the Main to the Upper a few minutes before kick off. Doesn't look like he's put a pound on since his playing days. I've still got a mug from the 1998 double Wembley season with a photo of Danny Coyne, Dave, Livvo and Macca on it.

I recently stayed in a holiday home owned by a former Town player. The pool guy said what a pleasant guy the owner was and also his friend, and former team mate, Dave Smith. That anecdote partially made up for having to miss the Rochdale and Sutton games.

Him and KB are big mates

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Sad to see Dave go but yet another legacy of the previous regime. I understand that another, perhaps less surprising, change has also taken place.

*looks down list of GTFC employees*

Hmmm

Quoted from dapperz fun pub

Him and KB are big mates

My son booked the place before Covid/ lockdowns etc. KB was a gent and honoured the booking at the original price even though he now only lets it to family and friends. August way too hot for me but I'd go back early Spring for the great walking and flowers and return for the Wembley final.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Forza and Coroner, sent you pm’s

Go on then, I’m intrigued!

Always remember the goal he scored in Sept 1998 at Birmingham straight from a a corner, mind you he missed a penalty at Q.P.R.

SPILL THE BEANS PUBLICLY YOU RUMOUR MONGERERS!!!!

Quoted from Chrisblor

SPILL THE BEANS PUBLICLY YOU RUMOUR MONGERERS!!!!

Allegedly is the first word to use, so go on and put us in the picture of the apparent situation that may or may not be true.

Dave Smith Stepping Down
Info released 6 Sept and no longer chronology on the official Town website.  Older posts survive.  
Am I just old and simplistic expecting post to go in chronological order or is there something I’m missing ?

Quoted from Chrisblor

SPILL THE BEANS PUBLICLY YOU RUMOUR MONGERERS!!!!

Nick Dale obviously.

I remember interviewing Dave Smith for Mariners Player (World) when he began this commercial role in 2003.

Almost 20 years later I walked past him at Blundell Park and he said 'Hi Rich' as if he'd seen me every day. Recognised my face (despite the greying hair!) and remembered my name.

Think I played against him in some five-a-side league back in 2004, but I doubt he'd have remembered me for my skill! Lack of, maybe.