Former City hopeful is new Dr Who
Ten years ago, Matt Smith was a promising young footballer who was signed to Leicester City's youth academy.
It was only when a back injury ended his football career that he turned to acting – and, ultimately, one of the top jobs in television.
Leicester City Academy manager Jon Rudkin has fond memories of his former pupil.
He said: "Matt was a smashing young lad who could have had a big future in the game if it had not been for a back injury cutting his attempts to become a professional short when he was 16.
"His attitude was always first class and his parents were very supportive.
"A lot of young lads have come through our academy in the past 10 years, but Matt is one who stands out.
"He was a great kid to have around the place and we were all devastated for him when he had to pack it in.
"It's great to see that he has picked himself up and landed this amazing opportunity.
"Everyone at the club would certainly like to wish him all the best in his new role."
Matt was a 15-year-old from Northamptonshire when he played for Leicester City's under 15s and 16s teams.
After his injury, a teacher encouraged him to join the National Youth Theatre, which led eventually to a drama degree.
On Saturday, the 26-year-old was handed the keys to the Tardis when he was unveiled as the 11th Doctor Who, replacing David Tennant, who steps down later this year.
Matt, who has stage and TV credits, will take up the role in 2010.
He said he was delighted to take on the role. "I've got this wonderful journey in front of me.
"I've got six months to build this Time Lord and that's such an exciting prospect," he said.
Matt made his TV debut in the BBC adaptations of Phillip Pullman's period detective stories The Ruby in the Smoke and The Shadow in the North, starring alongside Doctor Who actress Billie Piper.
His youth has caused concern among some fans, who said he was a "toddler in the Tardis".
Russell Smith, manager at the Forbidden Planet comic book store, in Silver Street, Leicester, said: "I'm not sure how he has suddenly come into the limelight.
"He has some massive shoes to fill and most Doctor Who fans are not too impressed with the choice.
"But they didn't like David Tennant at first, either, and he turned out to be excellent, so I suppose we will all have to wait and see how he turns out."
Matt Smith
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