Sam Smith is the James Milner of powerchair football. “I’ve sort of had that nickname for a bit,” he says. “I’m reliable, I’m versatile and I can play in different positions. I think I’m always a seven out of 10 and the lads in our team are pretty quiet while I’m always talking. So yeah, I’ve been likened to Milner, which has its positives. I’m not the flair player but every team needs someone like me.”
Alongside his Northern Thunder teammates, Smith is set to take on West Bromwich Albion on Sunday in the Powerchair cup final. The Baggies are the sport’s dominant team, and the Thunder the only team to have beaten them this season. It’s not a grudge match – there are England teammates on both sides – but it’s an intense rivalry and will be just one story played out over the FA Disability Cup Finals weekend.
