Smudger Smith: At least JT can now work on his golf swing

The Journeyman Pro

In a professional career spanning almost two decades, Simon "Smudger" Smith has played for over 67 clubs. The ultimate utility player, as his pace has diminished he has reinvented himself time and again, from poacher to holding midfielder, centre-back to goalkeeper.

It's Ryder Cup week and the major football news is that John Terry will have more time to spend out on the links now he's retired from England. Things haven't felt right with John ever since his trial. I still don't think it was right for Chelsea to make him have another one but I guess it's like OAPs having to retake their driving tests. I feel sorry for JT as I've always had an affinity with any other fellow pro referred to by initials. They call me SS and the less said about my stint in Germany the better. Still, I'm a glass-half-full sort of bloke and a Terry lost is a Bridge gained. I look forward to seeing Wayne back in the squad very soon.

Like Bridge, Carlos Tevez took time out at City to work on his golf. I can only assume he was trying to make the Ryder Cup team for this weekend and have to admire his dedication in the face of all that stick. He'll be kicking himself for not realising that South Americans aren't even eligible, though.

Another man who now has time to work on his swing before is Steve Kean. They said he'd lost the dressing room. In fairness, that's easily done at Ewood Park, given it's a labyrinth of windy corridors. All those "Kean out" chants were disgraceful. We shouldn't be speculating about his personal life and nobody should be pressured into coming out, anyway.

Back to the Ryder Cup, it's great to see the European lads have made the final and I wish them every success this weekend. The League Cup returned this week so it seems only fitting that I raise a glass of Worthington's, Carling, milk and Coca Cola to our boys. Best of luck in Chicago and hopefully we'll be downing pints of Capital One come Sunday. Follow me on @smudgersmithpro