Player didn't want to leave Huddersfield Town for QPR as 'grim' training ground claim made | OneFootball

Alex Smithies has opened up on the difficulties he faces after leaving Huddersfield Town for QPR.

Alex Smithies had a very good career in the EFL, featuring for Huddersfield Town, QPR and Cardiff City over the years.

The Terriers academy graduate made his name as an excellent shot-stopper, and he produced some big moments for all the clubs he played for.

With injuries hindering him towards the end of his career, Smithies last played in the 2021/22 campaign, and he was forced to retire in 2024 when he was contracted to Leicester City.

So, that forced Smithies to prepare for life after football quicker than he would’ve wanted, but, now 36, he has started the next chapter, with the ex-England youth international now involved with a financial planning business that works with athletes.

Alex Smithies reflects on QPR transfer move with heartfelt post

Given his career, Smithies is in a unique position to offer advice to professionals currently involved in the game, and he is aware of the challenges that players face.

And, in an emotional post on LinkedIn, Smithies reflected on a difficult period in his life as he made the move from Huddersfield to QPR, as he explained how quickly and unexpectedly it all happened.

“On the surface, I’d just secured a lucrative move to a top team (as he joined QPR). But behind the eyes, I wasn’t happy. Two days before this photo, my first daughter was born. I was at my hometown club where I’d spent the last 17 years. Settled in a great house. Family all around. Excited to become a dad. I’d just signed a new 3 year contract. Life was great!

“Two days later, I was driving 200 miles to a hotel near Heathrow. Leaving my wife - emotional and exhausted with our newborn baby. I didn’t want to go. But I knew I had to. Day one at the new club? Straight into the dressing room… sat between two players talking over me in French.

“The training ground was pretty grim. The commute… 45 minutes to travel 3 miles. Not what I was used to. And on top of that, I had to find a new home so my family could join me. Newborn baby. New job. New home. All in the space of three days. Unsurprisingly, I was absolutely rubbish for the first three months!!!

“There’s so much that happens away from the pitch that fans never see. That experience, as tough as it was, is something I’m incredibly grateful for now. It’s shaped how I support players today.”

Alex Smithies impressed at QPR after tough start

This is a fascinating insight from Smithies, and fans can sometimes forget that players are human, and they face the same difficulties as everyone else when it comes to relocating, starting a new job and trying to adapt to a new life.

Generally, supporters only think about what happens on a Saturday, and, especially for a keeper, there’s little sympathy if they make mistakes that cost goals.

It’s no surprise that after Smithies had settled into life in London, his performances on the pitch improved, as he was named as Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at Loftus Road during his second season at the club.

His time with QPR was a hectic period in terms of the managers the club went through, but he was very good, particularly under Ian Holloway in the 2017/18 season when relegation was a possibility for the R’s.

Now, Smithies will pass on his experience to players still in the game in his new role, and it will certainly help those he does deal with that he will be able to relate to any issues and uncertainty they have during their careers.