Didn’t enjoy watching him to be honest, found him really frustrating. Looked like his game was centred around looking to win free kicks, going down cheaply an exaggerating impact, and pleading to referees. Didn’t strike me as a player particularly confident in his own abilities.
Didn’t enjoy watching him to be honest, found him really frustrating. Looked like his game was centred around looking to win free kicks, going down cheaply an exaggerating impact, and pleading to referees. Didn’t strike me as a player particularly confident in his own abilities.
Didn’t enjoy watching him to be honest, found him really frustrating. Looked like his game was centred around looking to win free kicks, going down cheaply an exaggerating impact, and pleading to referees. Didn’t strike me as a player particularly confident in his own abilities.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
Didn’t enjoy watching him to be honest, found him really frustrating. Looked like his game was centred around looking to win free kicks, going down cheaply an exaggerating impact, and pleading to referees. Didn’t strike me as a player particularly confident in his own abilities.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
Surprisingly compared to Karkan Grant only 1kg in it at 70kg to Smyth 69kg according to wiki. Grant taller but Smyth lower centre of gravity so he was worth a try with his pace alongside a big man. Didn’t work out though as you say.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
Surprisingly compared to Karkan Grant only 1kg in it at 80kg to Smyth 79kg according to wiki. Grant taller but Smyth lower centre of gravity so he was worth a try with his pace alongside a big man. Didn’t work out though as you say.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
Surprisingly compared to Karkan Grant only 1kg in it at 80kg to Smyth 79kg according to wiki. Grant taller but Smyth lower centre of gravity so he was worth a try with his pace alongside a big man. Didn’t work out though as you say.
He's 69kg to Grant's 70kg lol
Oops 😬 duly edited, same difference and conclusion though 😉.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
What I meant was that we would have known his strengths and weaknesses before signing him, seeing that he's been on our radar for a long time. He didn't play as a striker for Wycombe last season and they have the ultimate target man in Akinfenwa for nippy strikers to play off
He got 1 goal last season for Wycombe in 21 appearances incidentally
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
What I meant was that we would have known his strengths and weaknesses before signing him, seeing that he's been on our radar for a long time. He didn't play as a striker for Wycombe last season and they have the ultimate target man in Akinfenwa for nippy strikers to play off
He got 1 goal last season for Wycombe in 21 appearances incidentally
I still find it strange that Bowyer wanted him for 3 transfer windows and still didn't really know what to do with him.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
What I meant was that we would have known his strengths and weaknesses before signing him, seeing that he's been on our radar for a long time. He didn't play as a striker for Wycombe last season and they have the ultimate target man in Akinfenwa for nippy strikers to play off
He got 1 goal last season for Wycombe in 21 appearances incidentally
You could say Smyth improved at Charlton, then ..... 1 goal in 14.
Back to your other point, I wouldn't disagree. Smyth was always going to be small, especially in the box as a striker.
Last season when Bowyer signed Leko, he waxed lyrical how he'd signed a winger - but wanted to play him down the middle as a 2nd striker. He wanted pace from a player that could drive with the ball centrally - and nip in to score goals as a striker.
Our "wild card", Bowyer called him. Bow later signed Green for the same reason. And this season, it was hoped Smyth could play the same role .... although it's evident that Bowyer gave up on that plan after Smyth's first few games.
Agree the multiple positions he can play gave Bowyer too much to tinker with.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
We'd been after Smyth for ages, but I'm struggling to understand why as he's not prolific enough to be a striker in a 2, and he's not a dazzling winger either. Back in October this is what Bowyer said
Charlton Manager Lee Bowyer, wants to play attacking football on the front foot and believes the Northern Ireland international will help the Addicks do just that. He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
He talked about 433 at the start of the season but since the summer transfer window closed we only played it once, I think, against Accrington?
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
I don't believe Bowyer had the intention to play Little Smyth as a winger though, more like the 2nd striker ..... in the Leko mould. He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role. Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
That's hardly a secret though, surely we would have known that before we signed him?
Perhaps I should have written: By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
What I meant was that we would have known his strengths and weaknesses before signing him, seeing that he's been on our radar for a long time. He didn't play as a striker for Wycombe last season and they have the ultimate target man in Akinfenwa for nippy strikers to play off
He got 1 goal last season for Wycombe in 21 appearances incidentally
I still find it strange that Bowyer wanted him for 3 transfer windows and still didn't really know what to do with him.
You seem to find everything Bowyer does strange - yawn
Comments
If Lee’s not going to play him, or play him out of position, then there’s absolutely no point in him being here.
Smyth is a Jack of all trades. Master of none. Can't think of a single game where I've thought,'this is crying out for Smyth to come on'
For what it's worth, I hold Washington in similar esteem. Although markedly better than Smyth, I struggle to see where his strongest position is.
It's gonna be Mansfield and Lapslie all over again.
He said: “I think we’ve tried to get him in the last three transfer windows. He’s quick and full of energy and fits well with the type of football we like to play.”
I'm not sure Smyth fits in with any of Bowyer's favourite systems, whether 442, 442 Diamond or wingbacks.
I think Bowyer likes the idea of wingers because it adds pace etc but I don't think he either confident in the rest of the team or really sure how to set up with them.
I think Bowyer has had 8 or 9 players you could describe as wingers but only really Doughty had a serious run in the side there and even then we barley had enough players to leave him out if he wanted to.
I am not sure how many games Smyth started for us, I think it was 5, in 4 different positions.
He made his debut and next few appearances in that striker role.
It didn't long though before Smyth was used more in a wide role.
Even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker.
By then, "even Bowyer thought he was too small and lightweight to be picked us a striker."
That's what I meant and in the context of what I wrote.
He got 1 goal last season for Wycombe in 21 appearances incidentally
Back to your other point, I wouldn't disagree.
Smyth was always going to be small, especially in the box as a striker.
Last season when Bowyer signed Leko, he waxed lyrical how he'd signed a winger - but wanted to play him down the middle as a 2nd striker.
He wanted pace from a player that could drive with the ball centrally - and nip in to score goals as a striker.
Our "wild card", Bowyer called him. Bow later signed Green for the same reason.
And this season, it was hoped Smyth could play the same role .... although it's evident that Bowyer gave up on that plan after Smyth's first few games.