FORMER Oxford United boss Denis Smith, one of a select few to have managed teams in more than 1,000 matches, says Matt Elliott was the best signing of my managerial career.
During the first of two stints in charge of the U's, Smith bought Elliott for the bargain price of £170,000 from Scunthorpe United, and later sold him to Leicester City for £1.7m, in a deal which at the time enabled Oxford United to remain solvent.
Smith heaps his praise on Elliott in a new autobiography, entitled Just One of Seven.
The former Stoke City centre half opens the lid on his playing days and on his 25 years of management – and reveals many fascinating stories about his time at the Manor Ground.
Smith re-lives the success he had in his first spell at Oxford, but he also admits his mistake in becoming a director and stumping up £10,000, which he lost, and in several poor signings when he came back as manager for a second time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here