Bally is just the sort of player you just hate to mark, because there is little doubt in recent years there have been few players who have played for The Academy who can match him for pace.
To some supporters there is little to match the excitement of seeing a winger beating the full back for pace and taking the ball to the by-line and whipping the cross in, Bally has all the qualifications to do just that.
However that is not to say that he is an out an out winger as David Williams explains.
"Bally came into the system quite late after only arriving in this country in 2002 from South Africa," said David.
"It is fair to say that he took some time to adjust and that wasn't helped by the fact that he picked up a couple of injuries that kept him sidelined for some time. Nevertheless it was evident that he had plenty of natural ability, not least of all tremendous pace. He can and has done a job for us on both flanks and with that pace he can unsettle central defenders when playing through the middle of the park, in some ways he can do a similar job to that of Darren Huckerby. Despite being out with injuries for long periods last season he did enough to impress the Academy staff to earn a scholarship. It is now up to him to show everyone what he is capable of."
Bally has been a regular for the Under-18's this season and has also broken into Keith Webb's Reserve. Doubtless he will be looking to continue in the same vein in 2006.
Q+A with Bally Smart
1. Which team did you support as a boy and who was your boyhood hero?
In England Manchester United and in South Africa The Kaizer Chiefs. Ronaldo.
2. What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Scoring in the home Academy games against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
3. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My family.
4. What are your hopes for the 2005-06 season?
Becoming a Reserve Team regular and maybe make an appearance for the first team.
5. Away from football how do you like to spend your time?
Chilling out with my friends and family and watching films.
6. If you had not become an Academy Scholar what do you imagine you would now be doing?
Studying Physical Education at sixth form.
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