Beardsley was never a big talker on the field, although Smith is, but there was never any doubting Pedro's commitment and his enthusiasm inspired the players ... and the crowd.
Smith Does It The Beardsley Way!
27-year-old Smith led out the side against Derby on Sunday in the absence of Geremi, and with the Cameroon international due to head off on African Nations Cup duty next month, Allardyce is looking to that January/February period.
Smith: "It's a massive honour for me. I have captained all three clubs I have been at - Leeds United, Manchester United and Newcastle now.
"As a captain, you know what's necessary, you know what's wanted from yourself and what you can demand from others.
"That's part of growing up as a footballer, to be honest. People see you as someone other people can follow.
"When I play, it is not about ranting and raving and going on, it is about playing with a commitment and a desire that other people want to follow themselves and set an example for everyone else.
"It gives you that extra lift. It is not like you are carrying the rest of the team, but you are the focal point because you are wearing the armband.
"You have got to make sure that you are 100 per cent week in, week out and not let your standards drop.
"We are not stupid, we know we should beat Derby County at home and everyone else does.
"But from our point of view, if we are going to take any positives from it, we did keep going right to the death and we did manage to get an equaliser which continues an unbeaten run."