Because they initially signed him on an emergency loan, there's a three month limit on how long they are allowed to have him. Once that runs out, he'll have to come back to us until the end of the season. A permanent deal seems likely in the summer though, as he clearly isn't part of Kit's plans at the moment.
Seems like a good bloke and a half decent player who's taken it all in his stride and got on with it. As a club we've hardly covered ourselves in glory over the last year and a bit, but with him especially it's all been a bit of a cock-up. It must be a personal dispute with Kit, or the manager is in denial. Maybe he doesn't want to think that we're a club relying on the long ball, given his academy back ground, and sees us as a Southampton / Arsenal type team in development - but the bare facts are that we pump the ball up the pitch as soon as we're under any kind of pressure because we lack composure at the back and in the middle. And that ball, pumped above the stand - rising toward the floodlights and causing pilots on approach to brown their undergarments - inevitably heads toward Hugo, who has nothing in the air, and ends up coming back toward where it started. I don't mind the long ball, it can be effective - but it makes no sense for us to do it and have him out on loan. He would be a great option to bring on when we're under that pressure. He would give us some protection from corners and offer an actual outlet in open play.
"My career there has been a non-event, really. It's obviously disappointing. I felt it was a great opportunity and a step in the right direction having had a good season at Leeds. But things happen. The debut didn't help, nor did the managerial change for me personally, but it's one of those things. One door closes and another one opens. I'm not saying the door is closed at Fulham - far from it - but it's an opportunity here to do well and get back on track. I'll go back there and do everything I can to get back in the team." Sounds like a personal disagreement with Kit. I hope both of them can be adults about the whole thing when Smith comes back and have a clean slate. We all think Smith can do a job for us and I hope Smith thinks so too.
Considering we've been linked with Chris Wood of Leicester (a very Matt Smith-esque player) it appears the problem must lie with Kit.
I said over and over the problem is with Kit and that seems to confirm it. Never gave the bloke a chance and he scored in most friendlies he took part...
Interesting comments from Matt Smith following the recent game against Gillingham: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30928521 He says the right things, but doesn't sound like he's too hopeful of getting much of a look in when he returns. Fair point early on that he's scoring goals at Bristol because he's starting games. Sounds like a guenuinely good guy. Sorry for him that he won't get to play at Wembley.
What do you know - he’s only gone and scored again! please log in to view this image ”Bristol City returned to the top of League One with a comfortable 2-0 win over Fleetwood Town. Matt Smith opened the scoring early in the second half, turning home Joe Bryan's cross from close range.” Match report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30971805
And of course Matt Smith scored again as Bristol City go 4 points clear at the top of League 1 beating Port Vale 3-1. Match report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31106081
Well Bristol City lost 3-1 at home today against Sheffield United but you've guessed it, Matt Smith scored again - just before half time to put them 1-0 up. No point in what iffing, other than to observe as others have, that our 'diamond system' seems to consist almost entirely of playing long balls or high lobs forward. With the only outcome being that we lose possession.
Oh well... I'm not saying anything as I have been branded as Kit out by pointing these failures! Every manager knows our style of play and not difficult to break it down. On the contrary we seem not to study our opponents much...
The answer is yes, they bought him and didn't loan him. Be staggered if Bristol City haven't extended his loan by then though. He won't play for fulham under one dimensional Kit.
I think he's found his level in league one to be honest, although had he stayed at Leeds I think he would have done ok in the right formation. Surprised at how low Fulham are in the table. Don't suppose Wigan would've expected to be second bottom either though.
McGreedy is an inferior championship player, no suprise to see Fulham where they are. He held us back for two years! Rodiega is carrying the fat, greedy, flytipping, child abandoning greedy barsteward.
You may well be staggered then - Smith is at Bristol City on an "emergency" loan which is limited to three months. To extend, it would need to become a normal loan which would lead to him being unable to play for Bristol City as he has already played for two clubs (Leeds & Fulham) this season. Ah, FIFA and their crazy rules.
In that case it's a god job that Kit don't know his arse from his elbow. Can you hurry up and get two more wins so we can all concentrate on ripping the p. Out of millwall