article_snippet: Roy Hodgson signed Chris Smalling from non-league Maidstone United, seven years ago, soon after Les Reed, Fulham's director of football, had invited the 18-year-old centre-half along to a trial at the club's training ground in Surrey. '
article_snippet: Roy Hodgson was watching by chance and Roy Hodgson pulled me into Roy Hodgson office and it all started from there,' said Chris Smalling. '
article_snippet: Chris Smalling mentioned in conversation that Chris Smalling'd played for Maidstone.
article_snippet: Hodgson, convinced Chris Smalling Chris Smalling had a career in professional football, although the youngster decided to complete Chris Smalling A-levels first.
article_snippet: There were university places on offer to study financial economics at Leicester or Loughborough if Chris Smalling secured three Bs in Chris Smalling exams, which Chris Smalling did. '
article_snippet: I was planning to go to university but a month or two before my exams I was offered trials by Fulham and Middlesbrough,' said Chris Smalling. '
article_snippet: Hodgson signed Chris Smalling when Hodgson was Fulham boss from non-league side Maidstone United .
article_snippet: Hodgson education did little to impress Van Gaal, earlier this season, when Fulham boss from non-league side Maidstone United branded Chris Smalling 'stupid' for a red card, during the first half of the derby against City. '
article_snippet: After being close to going to university, Chris Smalling is now an England international and trophy winner . '
highlights_snippet: Chris Smalling was signed by Roy Hodgson when Chris Smalling was Fulham boss and the defender was playing for non-league side Maidstone United .
  