I understand his decision and I dont blame him to be honest. Yes its disappointing news but he is too good for this level. I feel the same to Smith as I did about Lambert when he left. But what I find frustrating is that he has taken so long to make this decision leaving it to less than 4 weeks before we actually start the season.
I'm suprised he had not gone sooner. You'd have thought someone would have picked him up by now especially a league 1 team. As you say with only a month to go it's going to be tight in getting a right back in and up to speed as well as the other players DC wants to bring in.
There is an upside to this. Whilst none of us want Smith to go he is still under contract and has been offered a new deal. This bodes well for us being in the driving seat to get good money from a transfer. The next to do this I'm sure will be Parkes and Brown who I think did exactly the right thing in signing a new deal so Rovers would get a good pay off when the time comes. The fact that Parkes was being linked to clubs whilst being unfit and carrying a few pounds too many says that there will be an offer soon as he has done that which is required to make himself attractive and viable to other clubs.
If you are right GassyAde, then I am really worried because I dont think our defence is an issue and I was pretty confident that we will do well keeping the keeper and defence together. With less than 4 weeks to go and losing Smith and if you are right with Parkes and Brown, then we are in all sorts of trouble. The team are away for a few days in a team bonding exercise. The news about Smith now could un-do any team bonding that has happened.
To be honest CJS the other players probably knew he wanted to go, so therefore would not undermine any team spirit built
Don't think Brown will ask for a transfer IMO but I can see Parkes doing the same soon and then we will be in **** street. So it really sucks being a Gashead at the moment would be nice to have some good news for once. Thank you board of directors for putting us in this mess.
I can't really blame him for wanting to get the best for himself. However, he was a part of a team that got the Gas into this position. I was hoping that he was going to give the team another year at least to show his respect and loyalty to the Club. But if he goes I would still wish him the very best!
Think I recall DC saying he was possibly looking for a new defender to bolster the options. Can't remember when he said it but wasn't too long ago so he was more than likely in the know a fair amount time ago.
Well lets see if Clarke and Higgs keep their word. We dont need to sell. He is contracted for another season. Smith aint the type to mess about so if he has to stay for his last season I think he would still give his all for us. So unless a stupid big offer comes in, he is still ours. So what price will Rovers put on Smith head then?
In the financial climate and remembering where we are would be lucky to get £50,000 for him but most of us would value him at triple that.
the thing that goes against us is that he only has 1 year left on his contract. that will reduce his valuation. but if its just £50k max that we would get for him then i would say to smith, sorry we cant afford to let you go. you are still under contract and we need you to help us to get promotion and you can leave for free next summer.
I think Smith will still be around for a few games at the start of the season. Most clubs will have recruited, so he's probably missed the boat for a quick sell. If he's a star player in the first few games they may start queuing up...
What makes me angry is not that Smith has asked to go, for privately we all saw that coming; but that at the end of the season we let Woodards, Southway and Keary all go. Anyone with an ounce of sense knew that Smith is too good for the Conference, but we let three players who could have slotted into the RB berth go: and two of them were youngsters in whom we had invested in their development!
If Parkes goes, I won't lose any sleep . He had such a poor season . I do not see a winner/ruhtless defender in him and that's what we need even more in the ..... what's it called league ?
A few tweets from Rovers.... "Clarke: We have had one or two enquiries about Michael from League clubs" "Clarke: Unless our valuation of Michael Smith is met then he won't be leaving" "Clarke: I know I have Michael's 100% commitment while he is here"
