David Smith Released

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 04/05/2002

AS expected David Smith has become the first casualty Blundell Park after being released from his contract. Smith is the first one to be told he has to go but Mick Jeffrey is expected to join him soon.

But the Grimsby Telegraph in the report says Groves is not discounting Smith altogether if the club's finances improve. "He's served the club well and now he has an opportunity to sort something else out for next season." said Groves. "It's not dead and buried and what you get with David Smith is cover for a number of positions and if you've only got a small squad he has value."

Smith said he is sad to be leaving the club: "It's disappointing at any stage of your career not to feel wanted. But you're always on a knife edge and after 20 years in football you know that. I've had four great years here and my family are settled here."

"It couldn't have gone any better for us in my time here. I had two Wembley appearances in the first six months, four first division campaigns and it's been great. I'd like to thank everyone who has made me and my family welcome in the town down the years."

Smith says there have been enquiries about him from other clubs but the ITV Digital collapse will have an effect on his future.

"With the World Cup making the close season longer and the ITV Digital thing nobody wants to pay money over the summer. The budgets have gone down, so trying to look for a contract somewhere at the moment is the worse possible time. But there are lot of people worse off than I am and you have to get on with it. I'm open to offers and everything has to be considered. I want to keep playing football and I feel I can still play at a high level."

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