Smith's Departure for Colorado Rapids Confirmed
Monday, 22nd Jan 2018 17:26 Central defender Tommy Smith’s exit to the Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed fee has been confirmed with the 27-year-old admitting that it is a “big wrench” to leave the club he joined at 16. TWTD was first to reveal that the New Zealand international was closing in on a move to the MLS side earlier this month.
Having initially come to Playford Road on trial aged 14, Maclesfield-born, New Zealand-raised Smith joined the academy as a full-time scholar in the summer of 2006.
He made his senior debut in the opening game of the 2008/09 campaign, a 2-1 home defeat to Preston, and went on to make 251 starts and 17 sub appearances for the Blues - more than any other academy graduate - scoring 23 goals.
In addition, Smith, who has signed a two-year contract with an option for a further year with the Rapids, spent spells on loan at Stevenage, Brentford and Colchester while with Town.
He also represented New Zealand at the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Olympics, having played at the 2007 U17 World Cup for England.
“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the club,” Smith told iFollow Ipswich. “I was made to feel very welcome when I first arrived here at 14. They looked after me then and it remained that way and I’ve got some fantastic memories of my time here.
“I’ve got a lot of love for the club and the town itself and it’s going to feel strange not coming here in the mornings.
“It’s a big wrench to leave and it’s not a decision I have taken lightly but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to taking on.
“I have worked with the head coach at Colorado, Anthony Hudson, with New Zealand and he made it clear he wanted me to be part of his plans.
“That chance to play regular football again was key for me. I’ve had my injury problems over the last 18 months, two years but when I have been fit, I’ve been in and out of the team. That has been hard to take when before that I played regularly over three or four years.
“I had a chat with the manager here and he was very understanding and supportive when the chance came up to go to Colorado. With the opportunity to play regularly and the life experiences that I will get from the move, it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“You can never be sure but when my football career is over, my wife and I intend to return to Ipswich and make it our home again.
“My last day at the training ground on Friday was a very emotional time, saying goodbye to the players and the staff. Tears were flowing but I hope to be back at the club in some capacity in future years.
“It would have been nice to have said a proper farewell to the fans but things move fast in football and unfortunately that hasn’t happened. I want to thank the fans for all their support over the years and wish the club every success in the future.
“I will miss the club immensely but I am looking forward to the challenge I face with the Rapids. Hopefully some fans would like to follow my progress out there. Goodbye for now and thank you.”
Speaking to the Rapids official side, he added: “It’s a very exciting move for me both personally and professionally.
"I’m extremely grateful to Ipswich Town for the faith they’ve shown in me over the past 11 years. I’ll certainly miss the club and its great supporters, and will carry on following their progress.
"I wish them the very best for the future. But looking ahead, the opportunity to join the Rapids — a club who have a very ambitious vision for the future — was too great.
"I look forward to playing a key role in bringing that vision to life. Our goal is to bring another MLS Cup to Colorado.”
Rapids executive vice-president and general manager, Pádraig Smith, said: “Bringing in someone of Tommy’s caliber along the back line was a top priority for us this off-season.
"His experience and leadership will be great assets for us, and we look forward to him joining us in Arizona this week for the start of pre-season training camp.”
Photo: TWTD
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Lightningboy added 20:58 - Jan 22
Very surprised he's been let go as he seemed like a “Mick type” of player.
Admittedly not been at his best for a couple of years but we'll miss his goals from the back.
All the best Tommy ðŸ‘🻠|  | |
Rensham added 20:59 - Jan 22
Would rather see all the loanees shown the door and our youngsters given the 18 games to gain some experience and find their feet. Sad that another promising footballer allowed to leave. Wasn't MM a centre half? Where's the improvement in Tommy since MM's been here? Can't be bothered hey Mick??
For a club with severe financial constraints we seem to be very generous giving our players away for gratis. And when we buy its £250k to £750k and that's for injured players. What does Ian Milne do? The slide continues.... |  | |
Edmundo added 21:24 - Jan 22
Mr Evans it will cost you nothing to show some gratitude and give this long term club servant the Testimonial he deserves. Then we may see a real crowd at last. All the best, Tommy! |  | |
algarvefan added 21:30 - Jan 22
I hoped to see him as a regular Town Captain one day, as others have said a great club servant, who obviously loved playing for Town and got a few goals too. Tommy lad all the very best to you and your family, Canada is a wonderful country and Rapids gain is our loss. Shame he wasn't always appreciated by some, loved his attitude both on and off the pitch. A total pro. Sad day for Town |  | |
runaround added 22:44 - Jan 22
Good luck Tommy. Thanks for your efforts over the years |  | |
busterjames1 added 22:48 - Jan 22
Good luck Tommy ! Cant understand no fee involved ? On a different story ....NON-LEAGUE gem Rob Harvey is on the radar of Championship side Millwall.
The Brightlingsea Regent midfielder had a trial at Ipswich Town last season before spending time with West Ham in October.Now his dreams of turning professional have been given fresh hope by the Li |  | |
TimmyH added 22:49 - Jan 22
Colorado is in the United States near Denver infact...MLS league not Canada. |  | |
oldegold added 23:16 - Jan 22
Should be our captain... mccarthy prefers to bring in loanees...5 on Saturday...now that's the way forward LOL. Tommy should have been playing in place of Chambers, who is hazard-strewn but one of his favorites |  | |
Vanisleblue2 added 23:24 - Jan 22
Welcome to North America Tommy. Shame you didn't join my local club the Vancouver Whitecaps (like Thijssen, Whymark and Reo-Coker).
It is a lot tougher league than you will probably expect.
TimmyH what are you talking about? Colorado is the state- Denver is the capital of Colorado...Canada has three teams in the MLS; Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto (the Champions of MLS 2017).
Up the Town! and the 'Caps!
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leftie1972 added 04:02 - Jan 23
The first line of the story says "Central defender Tommy Smith's exit to the Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed fee".
When will we find out what it was?
Good Luck Tommy! |  | |
GiveusaWave added 04:37 - Jan 23
Good luck Tommy. New country and new experience for you...I'd highly recommend it! Great that you are starting a new chapter in your life. Stay optimistic and resilient....and work your way into the team...best of luck to you AND your family. Go get em Tiger Tommy!
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 04:56 - Jan 23
Tommy is a really decent bloke, with a lot of values off the pitch as well as on (work with kids, to name just one). I can see this is an exciting opportunity at his age, especially when he is not getting game time at PR. All the very best, Tommy, but come back in some capacity some time in the future. Definitely deserves the phrase "one of our own." |  | |
KiwiBlue2 added 06:53 - Jan 23
Very disappointing but of course MM favours the ones that he has brought in. I suspect that one of the promises made is that they will be starters. Sadly I feel that injuries have taken a toll over the past 18 months or so and when you are out it can be hard to get back in and even when you do it might take a few games to get that match sharpness. Saddest aspect for me is that he came through a significant part of the youth system and was well worth a starting role when properly fit but of course a place has to be made for an often under-performing captain. At 27 you certainly not want to be warming the bench each week when you could/should be playing. I hope the move goes well and one positive is that he will be closer to NZ for international call-ups...... | | |
DiamondGezzer added 07:44 - Jan 23
I wonder if he was allowed to leave for free, to allow his exit to be a smooth one in lieu of a testimonial ? |  | |
Swn98 added 07:49 - Jan 23
Testimonial thought they were things of the past when players who earned not much more than the supporters, got a one big pay day to help them in retirement.
Can't see the relevance now they earn more in a month than the average man does in a year.
Any way good luck Tommy,the fans that are so vociferous in you leaving are most probably the same ones that used to slag you off for being to slow and just hoofing the ball clear. Anything to beat up the club!. | | |
midastouch added 08:15 - Jan 23
Fond memories for me as TS was the first player my lad ever saw score a goal for Town when I took him to his first ever Ipswich match against Huddersfield. Good luck at your new club Tommy. |  | |
tractorboybig added 08:19 - Jan 23
Best of luck, you were to good for this crap defence and its manager. Still we have Luke. |  | |
TimmyH added 08:21 - Jan 23
@vanisleblue2 - Colorado Springs the team he is joining is near Denver (which I know is the capitol of Colorado) - algarvefan was wishing him all thew best in Canada saying what a wonderful country it is! | | |
Cookycrew added 09:26 - Jan 23
Tommy,
Your love (like mine) of Ipswich is deep & sincere & is very refreshing to hear.
Likewise, we ITFC supporters have always regarded you as "one of our own"!
We all wish you the very best for the future Tommy, you have been a fantastic loyal servant to our club.
Thanks for all the great memories. It has been our pleasure to see you blossom to become a super CH for ITFC.
Your grit, determination, power will always come to mind.... with some great goals too!&
Enjoy Colarado & we will look forward to your Ipswich homecoming sometime in the future.
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blues1 added 09:31 - Jan 23
Why is it so many on here dont read the story properly before posting. It clearly states hes moved for an undisclosed fee. So why are there people asking why theres no fee? | | |
muccletonjoe added 10:09 - Jan 23
Good luck Tommy. Ipswich through and through. Will be missed. |  | |
dirtydingusmagee added 10:22 - Jan 23
GOOD LUCK '' smudgersy'' , been a genuine grafter, hope all goes well for you . |  | |
martin587 added 10:33 - Jan 23
Good Luck to you and your family Tommy. |  | |
tractorrollson added 11:36 - Jan 23
Not sure how much that says about us that he prefers an american league to playing for us. Great servant though and wish Tommy well | | |
cobboldblue added 13:23 - Jan 23
No more singing "We all dream of a team of Tommy Smiths" - shame. |  | |
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