It was with great sadness that we were notified of the death of Alan Smiley on the 20th February.
Alan Smiley in his prime years was one of the fastest forwards in the game who with his bubbly personality always played the game with great passion.
He played during his career, from the 1950’s to the 1970’s, with three main Clubs, Alexandra Palace, Southgate and Folkestone.

He first became an England International when he was picked for the team playing in the European Championships in 1959 at Geneva, Switzerland, and also that year when the England team made a short trip to France.
In 1963 he played for the Alexandra Palace team who represented England at the Coupe De Nations tournament at Montreux, Switzerland, and in 1975 he was recalled back to the England National side when he played in the European Championships staged at Viarregio, Italy.
At club level he played in most of the Country’s league’s and cup competitions.
Some of his achievements were :-
A winners medal with Southgate Rangers in the Kent League Division One 1957-1958 season,
An NRHA Cup winners medal with Folkestone in 1975,
A winners medal for the NRHA National League Div One in 1976 for the Kimber Trophy.
Alan won many other medals in various competitions that he played in during his time in the game.
In the early 80’s North London RHC was formed from Alexander Palace players via Tallacre RHC and Alan continued to play until the early 90’s.
During this time Alan got involved with the National Coaching structure to pass on some of his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport to youngsters.

Alan’s funeral will take place at the Enfield Crematorium at 2pm on Monday 8th March.

Keith Allen