Chris Smalling reveals Roy Hodgson cut his University plans short with Fulham trial

CHRIS SMALLING hopes to keep up his football education against Italy tomorrow after recalling how it was Roy Hodgson who stepped in two months before his A-levels and stopped him from going to university.

Chris SmallingGETTY

Chris Smalling admits it was Roy Hodgson who kickstarted his career

The Manchester United centre-back was playing for non-League Maidstone when he was invited to Fulham on trial, where Hodgson was manager at the time.

He said: "Roy's the one who really got it started for me. He pulled me into his office after the trial and it started from there.

I had my exams in a month or two, but was offered a trial by Fulham, and also Middlesbrough, and thought I had nothing to lose

Chris Smalling

"I had my exams in a month or two, but was offered a trial by Fulham, and also Middlesbrough, and thought I had nothing to lose.

"I went along with my mum and my brother, but already had the back-up plan of places to study Financial Economics at Leicester and Loughborough. I had an offer of three B's, which I was confident of getting, and I did.

"So at my trial I had nothing to lose and could give it my all."

Hodgson happened to be looking on.

"I can't remember the whole conversation afterwards, but Roy was very encouraging," said Smalling. "I came back for a week to train with the reserves, and was offered a contract a month or so later."

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