Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Lambert on Smith: He's Just Been Training
Friday, 6th Dec 2019 11:56

Town boss Paul Lambert has dismissed suggestions that former Blues centre-half Tommy Smith is training at the club for any reason other than to use the Blues' facilities as he keeps fit in the MLS off-season.

Last month Smith, 29, told BBC Radio Suffolk’s Life’s a Pitch that he was training at Playford Road with the U23s as he looked to keep fit ahead of New Zealand’s November internationals.

The central defender left the Blues in January 2018 to join MLS side Colorado Rapids, who announced last month that they wouldn’t be taking up the year's option on his existing contract.

However, Smith had previously told Life’s a Pitch that he was in talks about new terms and, according to reports in Denver, those discussions about staying with the Rapids are still ongoing.

“He’s just been training,” Lambert said when asked about Smith’s presence at Playford Road.

“He asked if he could come in and train and he’s been training with the U23s just to give him training facilities that was all really. Nothing more than that.”

Despite Toto Nsiala being injured and Lambert hinting that there may be other centre-halves struggling for Saturday's game against Coventry, he insisted a return for Smith isn’t on the cards.

"We’d four centre-halves and we’re down to a couple left," he reflected. "But no, there’s nothing in that.”


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.



hoppy added 12:15 - Dec 6
Straight into the squad then?
1

itfcjoe added 12:17 - Dec 6
Sign him up
3

Suffolkboy added 12:52 - Dec 6
Never did quite understand why he left ; were there differences ,had he a long term injury/ physical challenge ,or was it that more money was on offer ?
He'd been a good servant from his teens ,BUT obviously PL and L O' N will be realistic about our needs ,and we do seem to have now a number of options to cover ,even if they'd be forced choices rather than exactly what's wanted !
COYB
1

TimmyH added 13:00 - Dec 6
After his back injury never got a look in with McCarthy though his last full season with us he was probably our most consistent defender, I remember a number on here saying he wasn't good enough for the Championship which was a load of cobblers.
2

therein61 added 17:48 - Dec 6
Such a shame he was pushed out of the door by the guy who thought he was bigger than the club(his contract not being renewed shot him up the rear end on that one) who as a defender should have had more sense than moving players out of position and ignoring our most consistent central defender when he was needed most.
1

KiwiBlue2 added 23:59 - Dec 6
I think a significant back injury undid him last time and by the time he was fit again McCarthy had gone with other options. I recall Smith and Chambers having a good partnership for a while but the arrival of Berra and later the injury pushed him down the pecking order. That said it would appear that McCarthy may not have rated him highly enough. Anyway its past history but I still feel that he would definitely add something to the cbs we currently have in terms of a genuine left foot option but sadly feel it wont happen notwithstanding him being at a great age for a cb and having several good years ahead of him..... a great pity
1


You need to login in order to post your comments

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024