PLAYER PROFILE

Chris Smalling

Position: Defence

Height: 0'0

Weight: 0st 0lbs

Date of Birth: 1989-11-22 Greenwich, England

Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling started his career with his local non-league side Maidstone United having failed to settle at any of the football league youth academies he tried. He played for England Schoolboys while at Maidstone and his performances were so impressive that he attracted the attentions of Fulham and Middlesbrough.

In June 2008, he signed for the London club and was made captain of the Development Squad by manager Billy McKinlay. After proving his worth at youth level, he made his Premier League debut in May 2009, coming on as a late substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Everton on the final day.

Smalling made his first start in a pre-season friendly against Gold Coast United on July 8th 2009 and was again involved in the other games in Fulham's pre-season Australian tour, against Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.