02 Sep 2014 11:20:13
So, turn down over 1 mil for Smith and then soon after sell him for 500k, what a great bit of business that was. NOT. Not to worry though I m sure the rose tinted glass brigade will be able to put a good spin on it

1.) 02 Sep 2014
Could have something to do with other transfers, or loans pending, or where he was prepared to go, personal terms etc. We'll never know, but he did come on a freebie!

(I'm not putting a spin on it, just pointing out some possible reasons)

2.) 02 Sep 2014
02 Sep 2014 12:10:51
Selling Smith, who scored 14 goals last season with little real service, sadly confirms the rapid mood swings and whimsical approach of Massivego Cellino. Here today and gone tomorrow!
Unfortunately it also sends out a bad message to both potential new managers and to our current emerging squad of promising youngsters - you may we praised today but probably will be gone tomorrow if you express a fancy for the wrong colour or have a grandmother with the wrong birthday, or fail to select "His team"!
I have stated previously, this guy is a cannon waiting to explode whenever his mood swings, a classic dictator who's only real interest is courting popularity - sure he loves to splash his cash in the pub boasting how he will buy back Elland Road (November is fast approaching) and get us into the Premiership in 2 years (recently slipping to soon or 3 years).
He is proving to be little different to the previous owners, if someone throws money on the table it's quickly grabbed and the players on his way. Look at Southampton, also owned by some pasta family who have raked in nearly £100m with little cash expended on new players - it used to be called commercial rape!
I'm waiting with baited breath for some of the accountants and investigative journalists' out there to discover where his rumoured money was actually made and how much there really is? Or is it all hype and fuel his ever growing ego?
Yes he claims to have has paid off debts (proof anyone other than the IR have backed away for now?) but has also pocketed £12m of club player assets with very little actually reinvested - lots of freebies' and lone players for a year which don't have to be paid for until end of the next 12 months. It's all too much like the barrow boys of yesterday for my liking!
Don't get me wrong, I hope that this latest mad rush gamble does deliver what's promised, but for now I don't see green shoots, more like tinder dry grass likely to burst into flames the first time Massivego feels threatened or embarrassed.

3.) 02 Sep 2014
02 Sep 2014 12:22:38
Who offered 1m for Smith & when?

4.) 02 Sep 2014
I posted this a little earlier, but I'll add it again for your benefit IrishWhite:

For the sake of a balanced view, I never really rated him, and I for one won't miss him.
I watched him at the friendly (yes, I know!) at Walsall last year and he looked like he couldn't be bothered, which peed me off a bit to be honest. He did little for the remainder of last season to un-p*ss me off. I'm not saying he's a journeyman, I just don't rate him that highly.
Just an opinion, so don't shoot me down!
Given a little time to gel, our current firepower may make people look back and say Matt who?

4-6 weeks’ time we'll be in a much stronger position. We're not going to win the league, or even get to the playoffs, but a healthy top half finish this season would do for me.

MC said 2 years to get into Prem. Given the last 10 years, I'd happily take prem in 3 years! Matt Smith was never going to get us there, sorry.

It may not have been great business for us, but I don't think it was a great purchase of Fulham either.

I wish him all the best though!

{Ed013's Note - I saw Matt Smith play a lot and he wasn't the greatest player to put on the white shirt, far from it and his touch and passing ability was awful at times. He was however still learning the game and a threat in the air that would scare defences to death on set pieces. His goal return last season was very good for his first season and will get better. If Leeds had better service from the wing I imagine Smith would have had more goals and I would have kept him to bring on as an aerial threat if things were going wrong with ten minutes to go. I wish him good luck and hope he does well. He could have gone to Palace last January, but stayed at Leeds and helped the team}

5.) 02 Sep 2014
Jury is still out for me Richard111. I'm trying to remain positive, but I do feel you have a few valid points.

My main worry is the coach situation. It will be a brave or stupid man who takes the role. I hope it's Clarke and he would have been my first choice, but after Garcia turned us down for Watford I'm not so sure if Clarke will do the same. Who in their right mind would turn down the opportunity of managing a massive club like us? Slightly biased, but true. Is it because they are worried about the "Manager Eater"?

6.) 02 Sep 2014
Agreed Ed013, he's still learning the game, and may go on to be a solid player. Half a million profit in 1 year isn't that bad for someone who's not the finished article. Personally I doubt if he ever will be. I'm grateful for what he did do though, so good luck Matt, happy for you to prove me wrong and set the world on fire.

7.) 02 Sep 2014
Richard111
We all know MC is bonkers, but what was your preferred alternative?

8.) 02 Sep 2014
Blimey lads, av a look at yerselves an get over it. How many times have I seen Smith slated on here. He is not part of the plan. You going to complain when Hunt goes? How do you know Smith was not part of the McCormack deal? Suck it up and support our club whatever

9.) 02 Sep 2014
02 Sep 2014 13:03:18
Look we sold Smith for £800,000 plus extras.
If he's good enough it will climb to £4 mill.

10.) 02 Sep 2014
Like I replied to a post on monday he was sold and Fulham have to pay a signing on fee and buy his NEW contract out.
It was put on the media as undiclosed because at the moment its just under £1mill and it could rise to over triple that depending on apperances, goals, promotion and other add ons.

11.) 02 Sep 2014
Smith was not up to it in my opinion, something of a one trick pony, a throw back to our hoof ball style of play under Warnock etc, who knows from the evidence of the Bolton game (I know one swallow doesn't make a summer, no smutty replies please) perhaps we are going to become a footballing side again, I for one was impressed with our midfield and with the additions it can only get better and develop further, as the Don said back in the days of my youth "let the ball do the work" we did that in the first half and looked good, so I can understand us letting Smith go and I wish him well. for most of the season anyway

Wilsosd MOT

12.) 02 Sep 2014
800,000 + add ons if true is great business. How does it work with his loyalty bonus for not requesting a transfer? Do we have to pay up?

13.) 02 Sep 2014
Thought smith cost 350 grand!?