Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed defender Tommy Smith is on the verge of moving to the Colorado Rapids, as revealed by TWTD almost a fortnight ago, and says he is hopeful of adding to his squad ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bolton Wanderers.

Quizzed on Smith’s situation, McCarthy said: “We’ll just wait and see. Colorado Rapids are in for him but I wouldn’t sanction any move for him unless I got somebody in that can play there.”

Is it a case of waiting for a signing to come in before the 27-year-old New Zealand international moves on? “Yes, I think it’s just an opportunity for him that he would like to explore, certainly.

"He wants to play, that’s the upshot of it and he wouldn’t be playing in front of Chambo and Adam Webster.

“And he’s at an age where he wants to play in the first team, so I think if he gets an opportunity to do that he’d like to do it.

“He’s had a tough time over the last while but he’s back, he’s fit, he’s training. So, if it does happen, it will be an end of an era but pretty much everything comes to an end.”

Smith, who McCarthy hasn't ruled out playing at Bolton on Saturday, has made 251 starts and 17 sub appearances for Town, scoring 23 goals having joined the academy at 16.

The switch to Colorado will see Smith link-up with Anthony Hudson, who was his New Zealand boss until November.

Is McCarthy, who wouldn't comment on whether Town would receive a fee for Smith, close to an addition to his squad? “Yes, I did say when I came in here that I was in looking after all the transfers and that’s pretty much the case. I’ve been on the phone, trying to organise a couple of things.”

Anything likely to happen imminently? “Yes, there is, I’m hopeful we’ll have somebody in for Saturday.”

The most likely replacement for Smith is Brighton’s Connor Goldson, who almost joined Town in August and who McCarthy asked Seagulls boss Chris Hughton about earlier in the month. However, the Blues manager wouldn’t comment on whether Goldson is the man set to come in.

“I wouldn’t speak to you about individuals, if it happens it happens, whoever comes in. And if they’re here today in regard to the game on Saturday, read our website.”

He did confirm, however, that the player coming in would be a loanee: “Yes, it would be, whatever happens will be loan deals.”

Photo: Action Images

Smithy added 15:01 - Jan 18 Why would an outgoing manager make this decision?
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blue75 added 15:02 - Jan 18 Webster and Smith is a better combination than Webster and Chambers!! Such a shame to lose such a loyal player especially so close to him getting a testimonial must be due next year!!
22

baxter7 added 15:02 - Jan 18 All the best Tommy if and when you go at least you might be playing for a footballing team instead the dinosaurs hoofball
19

jdtractor96 added 15:02 - Jan 18 I for one will be sad to see Smith leave. He's been in and out the team due to injuries so maybe a fresh start is exactly what HE needs. Another decision of MM's that I don't agree with however. Goldson sounds like a reasonably good player but if he isn't wanted by Brighton why can't ME just get his cheque book out? Hopefully a loan with an option to buy at the end of it. 'Hopefully'

5

boroughblue added 15:06 - Jan 18 very sad day for the club. Losing a very loyal player who is also one of our own. seems like we're preparing for a new manager with all these permanent player leaving and being replaced by loans. Wonder how the rest of this seasons going to pan out, should be interesting.
9

TractorCam added 15:14 - Jan 18 New year, same lies from ITFC. What a shame to lose Tommy, he's been in the first team for 11 years so surely gets a testimonial? Gutted about this one
19

gamezone added 15:15 - Jan 18 This says it all. MM has destroyed this club, Smith should never be going, very sad day.
11

slowerball added 15:18 - Jan 18 I am not Chambers' biggest fan, but Smith isn't ahead of either Chambers or Webster. Good luck to him if he goes, it's a great opportunity and he will play games.
9

Radlett_blue added 15:26 - Jan 18 In that picture, Tommy Smith appears to have a neck which a brontosaurus would envy.
0

BlueNomad added 15:39 - Jan 18 Every piece of news is greeted with variations on ME / MM "ruining our club." Tommy has been a great servant, being "one of our own" doesn't mean he is any different a situation than anyone else. He has a personal decision to make, and the club has a business decision to make. Sentiment is not, and should not, be a factor. Goodbye, thank you and good luck Tommy.
14

iaintaylorx added 15:42 - Jan 18 Gutted to hear this! Loyal servant and a solid defender. I echo Smithy, but I don't understand how Mick can make such a big decision regarding Smith, considering he most likely will not be here next season!! Best of luck Tommy, always gave his all and 23 goals in 268 games isn't bad for a defender!! Surely there is a fee involved though!?
8

bluerico added 15:42 - Jan 18 Not a first choice CB in my opinion, but an adequate stand-in. Would like us to get a permanent replacement but if MM is going then we will have to accept a loan signing for this season.
1

blueboy1981 added 15:50 - Jan 18 ....... another inditement of ITFC today, under the current regime. The sooner both Evans, Milne,McCarthy and Crew, leave this Club the better it will be for it. Smith is a far better player, with much more potential than Chambers - and yet the Dino will always prefer his favorite. Good Luck Tommy , you deserve it - move on with your career, and never look back.
0

Currie10 added 15:50 - Jan 18 Decent back up player for me, not good enough to start and probably on a fair wage - I think best all around for him to go. Good luck in the future Tommy.
5

blueboy1981 added 15:58 - Jan 18 ....... another of our own out - and another loan in (at best) . What a sad state of affairs. Really sick to the back teeth of the Club that I, and many others, once loved for so, so, long. None of that matters anymore though at Portman Road - and don't kid yourself that it does ... !! Ipswich Town F.C. is finished under the current Ownership, and Management.
1

Bluebell added 16:14 - Jan 18 I am always sad to see any of our players go especially the ones who have been with us for as long as Tommy. I really can't blame him when he is unsure whether he would get a game for Town apart from covering injuries or another contract. Good luck Tommy if you do go!
7

Swn98 added 16:19 - Jan 18 We win 1-0 important result for the club No sign of Bluebore we sell avery average player who pops up yeaaaaaaaa our old friend Bluebore........!!!!!????.
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oldelsworthyfan added 16:22 - Jan 18 Loanee after loanee is no way to build a team fit for the Premiership.I would have thought that was obvious?
3

brazil1982 added 16:24 - Jan 18 He may not be ahead of Chambers and Webster, but let's see when one of those becomes injured or suspended. A long serving player out, loan player in... Good opportunity for Smith though, have a few seasons in the sun, why not.
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braveblue added 16:26 - Jan 18 So are we getting someone better or another stop gap unfit loanee. Why can he not manage three centre backs? This is typical McCarthy. Announcing he will not start in front of Webster or Chambers regardless of form. Crazy.
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dangerous30 added 16:27 - Jan 18 I wish smith all the best and thank you for the good years.hopefully are Defence is overhauled in the summer because I think once everyone are fit we are short
5

tractorboybig added 16:29 - Jan 18 go go go, play for a team that plays football and has ambition.
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runningout added 16:33 - Jan 18 Goldson was very good when at Shrewsbury
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scooby added 16:42 - Jan 18 How is Smith not going to get in ahead of Webster.he is by far the better defender.is he a better footballer? No.but defender yes by a mile.if connelly doesn't stay no reason why Webster can't play that position
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itfcbam added 16:50 - Jan 18 And nobody reads the line of is an opportunity the player wants to explore!!! So it could well be an opportunity for the player to live in a new country, earn more money etc. And something the player wants to do
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