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

TimmyH added 16:52 - Jan 18 All the best Tommy...shame about the last couple of seasons with injury and Chambers moving back into the centre has basically left you as surplus to requirements. Interesting all the anti-Smith posters who say he isn't good enough have we improved defensively in the goals against column over the last 2 seasons when by and large he hasn't been playing?...the answer is no.

3

StavangerBlue added 17:15 - Jan 18 TOMMY THANK YOU! I wish you all the best and hope the US is kind to you. I am sorry to see you go but can see it is an opportunity you would love to take.
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jas0999 added 17:22 - Jan 18 Wish Tommy all the very best, can't blame him for moving on. BUT permanent player out. Loan coming in. Yet another short sighted move by ITFC. We seem to have no interest in building a squad and keeping it together for three or so seasons.
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Taricco_Fan added 17:25 - Jan 18 Smith is, without doubt, a better centre-half than Chambers. I was hoping to see a Webster-Smith partnership flourish but if Smith has been told he's behind Chambers then I can understand his wish to move on and I sincerely wish him all the best. He's been a great servant to the club. This will be another mistake by the club. Smith is younger but vastly experienced. Chambers is 32 and his blood-and-thunder playing style and passion masks a player that's always been a liability. But McCarthy has his favourites and that's that. The sooner Mick leaves the club the better.

6

TimmyH added 17:26 - Jan 18 swn98 out with the down marks although clear facts prove him from being WRONG.
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BraveDave added 17:33 - Jan 18 Jeez, get a grip everyone. He's no Terry Butcher! A loyal servant who always gave his best, and I wish him the very best for the move that HE is clearly instigating. I suppose when you've got such an inflexible view on everything to do with McCarthy, you will always find an excuse to put the boot in.
1

Hegansheroes added 17:40 - Jan 18 chambers has been a liability for last 2 seasons, he's 34, slow, can't pass etc, how the hell our imbecile of a manager puts him ahead of Smith I can't fathom, yes I can Chambers is a real bloke, one of the favourite club.
1

StowTractorBoy added 17:41 - Jan 18 Good luck Tommy a true blue but no better than what we already have and as a leading light at ITFC told my fanatical chums Smith always has a mistake in him. He is certainly in my opinion not better than Webster or Chambers and he probably knows his first team chances may be limited. Great servant though and a thoroughly decent bloke. Good luck to him if this goes through.

3

Cloddyseedbed added 17:54 - Jan 18 Tommy's career here is now stagnating, not helped by his injury problems. Is he good enough to take us forward, no. I wish him well at the next stage of his career. As somebody earlier has said our defence needs a thorough overall next season under a new manager. Under MM's management he has kept us in the division, which given the budget is remarkable, has he built a team, no. Different teams every year. Not the way forward, we need to build a team. Is Webster good enough to build a team around, given his injury record, no.

0

Karlosfandangal added 18:04 - Jan 18 Tommy has been good to the club. Love all this MM is ruining the club crap.... If any one opened there ear MM said it was something Tommy wants to explore......so it's Tommy ruining the club because he is leave....... tut tut. Not you PragmaticBlue you did listen
1

big_gaz67 added 18:09 - Jan 18 Why not look to play Smith, Chambers with Webster in front of them as a sweeper! And where's the apology for lying about him being ill the last two games?
2

planetblue_2011 added 18:26 - Jan 18 Very unhappy about this one!! It's always the players u like who leave. He's been a brilliant player for the club. Hope it's Goldson who comes in he seems decent enough. Good luck at Collardo Rapids Tommy👍⚽️
3

BlueBlood90 added 18:37 - Jan 18 Why didn't he just be honest a fortnight ago? Made himself look even more stupid than he normally does. Letting a home grown international player leave and replace him with a loan who won't care about us past May is not exactly building for the future. Can't wait for MM to leave now.
2

Gcon added 18:39 - Jan 18 'A loyal servant'..... makes him sound like a bloody labrador Anyway, good luck Tommy.
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Ipswichbusiness added 18:42 - Jan 18 I have no problem with Smith going if he wants to, but we need replacements. If the youngsters are ready then we need them to be played. If not then we need to sign permanent replacements. Ideally, we need four centre-backs; now we have two.
2

Seasider added 19:02 - Jan 18 Why does McCarthy have to say that no way is Smithy ahead of Chambers and Webster.Completely unnecessary,and anyway he put Knudsen in to replace Webster;so is he also ahead of Tommy,or was Smith not fit enough to play on Saturday. Notice he brought back Skuse who was obviously not 100%,as had a reaction.Only returned to training today but will be in Saturday regardless;as he is a favourite.

1

NorthantsTractorBoy added 20:14 - Jan 18 Shocking decision to replace Tommy (who.is v reliable and has potential to improve) with another loanee. Yet another example of how ME & MM are taking our beloved club backwards, and why I've not regretted cancelling my season ticket this year (after 30 yrs)
3

Essexnblue added 22:01 - Jan 18 Really gone backwards as a player in the past 2 years, injuries added to the fact that his trips to NZ have held him back with team selection which makes this a decent move for both parties. The club warned him last year when he had a back injury and he goes and spends 20 hours on a plane then reports unfit for Saturday. Another trip saw him miss the coach as his plane was held up, all factors that the club have in their pocket. Fulham game he looked well below par and unfortunately because of the size of the squad Knudsen is now ahead of him. Webster is also head and shoulders a better player and with Chambers our leader, its thanks Tommy, all the best in a poor league.

0

BluedanW added 22:24 - Jan 18 Reported here two weeks ago and McCarthy tried to make out he had heard nothing about the enquiry. Shows you can't believe a word that comes out of the club.
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Bert added 23:39 - Jan 18 Not consistent or intelligent enough on the ball for my liking. He deserves to have a fresh opportunity earning good wages but the States is not where you go to learn new tricks.
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Arnie added 21:52 - Jan 19 Good Luck Tommy, Mick didn't handle the back 4 very well, playing you and Luke out of position to accommodate Berra. You have age on your side but the boss doesn't see that, you would be in my starting line up when fit.
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CavendishBlue added 12:41 - Jan 20 Bye bye Tommy and thanks for all the memories.Don't think Goldson will be joining us as has started against Chelsea!!!!
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