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Post by fanboy on Jul 14, 2014 10:33:03 GMT
Sky Sports understands Bristol Rovers defender Michael Smith has handed in a transfer request, after the club rejected multiple bids from an unnamed League One side for his services.
Smith has attracted the interest of a host of clubs after an impressive season last term for Rovers, despite their relegation.
The Northern Irishman was named in the PFA's League Two Team of the Year last term and also scooped the club's player of the season prize following a stellar campaign.
The 25-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Memorial Stadium, feels he has no choice but to request a transfer as he is keen to move on and play at the highest level possible to boost his chances of breaking into the Northern Ireland squad.
"This is a decision I've wrestled with all summer. However, I feel I need to move on in order to progress my career and fulfil my ambition of playing international football," Smith told Sky Sports.
"I have spoken to both the manager and chairman, who understand my decision."
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Post by Rovers 12th Man on Jul 14, 2014 10:37:34 GMT
Even though it was always likely we were going to lose him this summer, I still can't help but feel disappointed that it looks like it is now going to happen.
Whatever happens, he will go down as one of my favourite Rovers players of recent times. Established himself as one of the best RBs in the lower leagues after a shaky start, always gave 100% for us and yet stayed grounded the entire time.
Good luck Smudge and hope to see you on the international stage soon.
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Post by fanboy on Jul 14, 2014 10:38:27 GMT
It hurt a bit when I read this. Although always likely, it's so late now that I thought there was a chance he'd be here. Ouch
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 10:39:27 GMT
Hardly a surprise. Those who thought otherwise were deluding themselves. I love the guy and I have no problem with him doing this as it is the sensible thing to do. You cannot stay in a conference team when you have the ability to play at a better level and it would actively harm his progression to stay. Good luck Smudger. I hope you get a good club with whom you will progress well.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 10:45:49 GMT
Will be gutted to see him leave, especially seeing as settled defence is our main real chance at doing anything this season and we will have yet another spot to fill, but he deserves it 100% and unlike others who have left I will wholeheartedly wish him the best. Great player who I honestly think could play in the Championship.
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Post by Hugo Admin on Jul 14, 2014 10:59:11 GMT
Damn.
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Post by RD on Jul 14, 2014 11:03:39 GMT
Multiple bids from a League One side....
I have an awful feeling it could be the scum from the south of the River...
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Post by Hugo Admin on Jul 14, 2014 11:05:29 GMT
What concerns me the most about this is that hes made this decision after preseason training started. If he thought we had a chance of going straight up based on the squad that is building then he would have taken this in to account. I hope that his statement is true per verbatim and not that hes just not impressed with the squad. DC now needs to pull his finger out pretty quick Id say.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 11:05:47 GMT
Didn't they sign Posh RB Mark Little? I reckon it's Peterborough as his replacement.
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Post by fanboy on Jul 14, 2014 11:08:38 GMT
The only silver lining is that, truthfully, a right back isn't really where we should be throwing the most of our budget. It is not impossible to find another good right back, and hopefully we can spend a little dough on the rest of the team too. It's very sad to see him go because he, like Lee Brown, had become a bit of a hero to the fans. We kept one and we lost another, we move on, I back Clarke to spend it wisely.
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Post by fanboy on Jul 14, 2014 11:09:09 GMT
Didn't they sign Posh RB Mark Little? I reckon it's Peterborough as his replacement. Yeah I'm thinking Posh too.
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Post by RD on Jul 14, 2014 11:10:32 GMT
Didn't they sign Posh RB Mark Little? I reckon it's Peterborough as his replacement. Ah yes, think you're right. Most likely Posh then Bastards!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 11:13:10 GMT
We are f**ked !! We cant sign anyone and our best player is off. Seriously worried
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Post by ThisCharmingMan on Jul 14, 2014 11:15:51 GMT
This was always on the cards, so now it's a case of getting the best deal for BRFC. One of my favourite players of recent history and wish him well in the future.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 11:21:52 GMT
What concerns me the most about this is that hes made this decision after preseason training started. If he thought we had a chance of going straight up based on the squad that is building then he would have taken this in to account. I hope that his statement is true per verbatim and not that hes just not impressed with the squad. DC now needs to pull his finger out pretty quick Id say. The timing of his request would suggest exactly this,yet another bad summer is brewing,time for Clark to put into action all his big talk Good luck where ever you end up Smudge and thanks for your efforts
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 11:28:26 GMT
DC is full of Bullshit imo, so many managers come here promising us the world. So far we have signed a Forest Green reserve striker, a player not good enough for Exeters development side, a promising but injury plagued striker from Salisbury. Whilst Mansell and Sinclair are more promising these are very worrying times or us Gasheads.
What the flip is going on?
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Post by philbemmygas on Jul 14, 2014 11:36:44 GMT
DC is full of Bullshit imo, so many managers come here promising us the world. So far we have signed a Forest Green reserve striker, a player not good enough for Exeters development side, a promising but injury plagued striker from Salisbury. Whilst Mansell and Sinclair are more promising these are very worrying times or us Gasheads. What the flip is going on? Bit harsh mate, Exeter wanted to keep him, however he chose a non league side over a pot less 4" div side. bloke can't win either way,
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 11:40:36 GMT
Im just narked off with how he blamed Ward for everything, promised us he had all these contacts and would have them in by pre season and we have only signed half of what we need none of which inspire me.
A bad start that needs putting right. Add this to the stadium woes, a secret intenal review and huh cut backs we are in serious need of some good news.
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Post by fanboy on Jul 14, 2014 11:41:42 GMT
DC is full of Bullshit imo, so many managers come here promising us the world. So far we have signed a Forest Green reserve striker, a player not good enough for Exeters development side, a promising but injury plagued striker from Salisbury. Whilst Mansell and Sinclair are more promising these are very worrying times or us Gasheads. What the flip is going on? Very much disagree with your comments on the current signings. I think they will be a lot better than you have predicted. However I do agree that the lack of players is worrying.
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Post by philbemmygas on Jul 14, 2014 11:44:31 GMT
Im just narked off with how he blamed Ward for everything, promised us he had all these contacts and would have them in by pre season and we have only signed half of what we need none of which inspire me. A bad start that needs putting right. Add this to the stadium woes, a secret intenal review and huh cut backs we are in serious need of some good news. Stick with it mate, to quote one of my most used phrases in football "nobody has died here", it is a difficult period in the life of our club but we need to stick together. Phil
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