Possible Nix signing for next season? Wage demands can't be any worse then 2 ex Prem players in the squad.
Doubt it. If it doesn't work out at Sunderland, another League One, or Championship side will pick him up in the UK summer.
His life and business interests (Academy) are in the UK.
With Taylor and De Vere locked in, think Nix will more likely splash cash next season on a striker (if Hooper leaves) or LB (Libby leaves).
From this week's Flying Kiwis.
"Up a division in League One, Tommy Smith hasn’t actually played for Sunderland since signing and might not get to either. No decision has been made yet, it’s a bit of a contentious issue whether League One can be completed. Sunderland sit one point outside the playoffs as it stands so there’s a lot to gain from playing out the season... but other clubs naturally have opposing views."
From this week's Flying Kiwis.
Transferred to "Unattached FC"
"Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) 
Good luck, Tommy!
The full announcement: “Sunderland AFC can confirm that Tommy Smith has left the club following the expiration of his contract. The New Zealand international moved to the Stadium of Light in February 2020 on a short-term deal. Everyone at SAFC would like to wish Tommy the very best for the future.”
Smithy signed with Sunderland on 21 February. He sat on the bench for two matches later on in that same month. Then within a couple more weeks the league had been suspended and poor old Smithy never even got a chance.
He lasted three months at Sunderland, got to take some nice photos in the kit, snuck in a few training sessions, and now he’s off looking for a new club without ever playing for them. But although he’s already been to Colorado and back and just did the short term emergency depth thing... Tommy Smith is only 30 years old and there’s no reason to think he’s on the way out as a player. Just gotta find that right club for next season whenever that happens to be... it feels less likely than likely that League One will be able to complete its remaining fixtures so getting released now (at the expiration of a contract that was dated until the original end of the season) is only speeding up the process, no dramas. Expect to see him hang around this similar level in England for his next gig.
Up Next: Quick chat with the agent"
From this week's Flying Kiwis. Mods should really update him to Unattached FC for the moment, though looks like maybe a move to League Two??
"Been wondering what Smithy’s been up to? You’re not alone. Since leaving the MLS he trained for a while with his old club Ipswich then signed with Sunderland on a short term deal but never played a game as the pandemic got in the way of that. Now it seems he’s making mates at Colchester United.
Colchester, who partake in League Two footy, played their opening preseason friendly on the weekend. A 2-0 loss to Gillingham in which new manager Steve Ball used two distinct lineups in the first and second halves. Amongst that first half eleven was a fella listed as: Trialist. That fella was Tommy Smith.
You’d have to think by virtue of training with the first XI that he’s a very high prospect to be signed. League Two’s a drop from the Championship footy he used to get all the time with Ipswich but you take what’s available and Colchester are an upwardly mobile team, who were sixth in the division last season and lost 3-2 to Exeter City in the promotion playoff semi-finals. Funny thing about that is their next friendly game is on Wednesday AM in kiwi time and it’s against Ipswich. That’ll bring back a few memories, no doubt. Old mate played 267 times for Ipswich in over a decade at the club."
I really hope he’s not looking at League Two, he can do better then that and really the AWs need better then that. Plymouth Argyle need some decent defenders, he would be a good shout.
From this week's Flying Kiwis. Colchester verus Edinburgh.
"When we last checked in with this fella he was preparing to play a preseason friendly on trial with Colchester against his old mates at Ipswich Town. He started that game, his second trial game for the League Two club, although it didn’t go so well as they got pumped 4-0. Smithy gave away a penalty in amongst it all. The way they did it was they played two 75 minute games with different teams in each, so Smith played the entirety of the first game and then the reserves did their thing in the next one. And while he coudlda obviously done without conceding a penalty it seems overall he’s makde a great impression on his potential new gaffer...
Colchester manager Steve Ball: “I've been very impressed with Tommy. He's got a great pedigree but he's also got some real qualities, which are so noticeable. He's been fantastic in training and now he's getting his fitness in games. It goes without saying that he's a proven Championship player and he's got a number of years left in him.”
The plan next for Colchester is some heavy fitness training for a few days, they might be done with that now, before another preseason friendly against Peterborough – two 90 minute games for that one, building up the legs. That’s next week although whether Smithy is still there by then who knows because the most popular article on the Edinburgh Evening News sports section on Monday morning began as thus...
EEN: “Hearts are in talks with the New Zealand international defender Tommy Smith as they seek cover following John Souttar’s latest injury setback. Tynecastle officials have compiled a list of signing options and made contact with 30-year-old Smith, who is a free agent after leaving Sunderland. He is considering a move to Scotland and would offer Hearts assurance at centre-back. He can also operate at left-back. Souttar suffered a relapse of his Achilles injury and is to undergo a scan to determine the extent of the problem. Hearts are hopeful it is not as serious as feared but are preparing to reinforce their defensive options.”
Hearts are in the Scottish Championship these days having been relegated last season. Colchester are also lower than they want to be, sitting in League Two, though both those clubs are targetting promotion and therefore expect to win a lot of games. Colchester would definitely offer him starting eleven status, Hearts it probably depends on how this Souttar fella is feeling. It’s surely not a coincidence that Hearts have Smith’s old Ipswich CB partner Christophe Berra on the books (although they loaned him out last season after trying to sell him).
Up Next: Decisions, decisions..."
and then he was linked with India - although this is probably just his agent doing his job
But then he signed for Colchester - probably easiest for him as its almost back home to Ipswich
Interesting one. Championship, overseas league (MLS), League One (Sunderland - only made the bench), now League Two.
Shows that maybe it won't be so easy for Gaza Hooper, to get a Championship gig again. Father time waits for no one. Of course proven class goal scorers probably in greater demand than aging defenders, but yeah not a million miles different.
surprised at this, thought he was at least good enough to be a league 1 player, if not in a championship Squad
Surely the nix would pay more then a league 2 club and we likely need a new centre back if de verve leaves
surprised at this, thought he was at least good enough to be a league 1 player, if not in a championship Squad
Surely the nix would pay more then a league 2 club and we likely need a new centre back if de verve leaves
surprised at this, thought he was at least good enough to be a league 1 player, if not in a championship Squad
Surely the nix would pay more then a league 2 club and we likely need a new centre back if de verve leaves
First competitive start for Colchester.
Full game in a 3-1 loss at Reading (Championship) in the League Cup.
On the bench as Colchester lose 2-0 at Portsmouth (League One) in EFL Trophy.
Sometime Socceroo Ryan Williams came off the bench for Pompey.
Colchester start their League Two season with a 0-0 draw at Bradford City.
45 games to go.
Full 90 for Smith.
From this week's Flying Kiwis. Just became a father for the first time. Obviously must follow the Nix a bit. Son's first name Keegan........
Colchester with a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.
Full 90 for Smith.
Bolton one of those ex EPL sides free falling down the divisions. Money problems I presume.
Colchester (8th) with a 1-1 draw at Barrow (19th).
Yellow and full 90 for Smith.
Full game in a 3-3 draw with Oldham Athletic (22nd).
George Blackwood ex Adelaide United & SFC up front for Oldham. Their manager Harry Kewell.
Colchester 9th
Full game in a 1-1 draw with Walsall
Colchester 9th.
Full game in a 3-2 loss at Carlisle (5th).
Colchester 14th.
Full game in a 1-0 win over Forest Green Rovers (8th).
Colchester 11th
Full game in 2-1 win over Harrogate Town (6th)
Colchester 9th
Full game in a 2-1 loss at top of the table Newport County
2nd goal conceded at 91 mins
Colchester 11th
Next game against Scun-thorpe is postponed.
Looks like Covid cases at Lewis's old club.
Full game in a 3-1 win over Stevenage (21st).
Colchester 11th
His former club!
Subbed on at 61st minute as Colchester get knocked out of the FA Cup by Marine on pens.
Finished 1-1 after ET. CU down 1-0 when Smith came on.
Marine are from Non League Div One - English 8th tier!!
Full game in a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient (14th)
Colchester 7th
Full game in a 1-1 draw at Mansfield (21st)
Colchester 7th
6th v 7th was not as close as it had probably shaped up to be. Full 90 and not much to else to speak of for Smith, and a disappointing night overall for Colchester - Thwacked 6-1 by Exeter City.
Colchester down to 10th in League Two.
Missing from match day squad as Colchester (12th) draw 1-1 with Crawley Town (13th)
Has the first goal for CU (9th) in a 2-1 win over Grimsby Town (20th).
Poked in from a corner apparently.
Full game in a 1-1 draw at Robbie William's Port Vale (14th).
Colchester 6th.
Full game a few days ago in a 2-1 loss at Cambridge United (6th).
Colchester 7th.
Full game in a 1-2 loss to Morecambe (5th).
Morecambe must have really improved their squad to be up in 5th. When Steven Old was there for 3 seasons they were forever fighting to avoid relegation.
Colchester 10th.
Full game in a 2-0 loss at Southend (23rd).
Colchester 11th. Winless in 4 games.
Full game in a 0-0 draw with Cheltenham Town (4th).
CU 12th.
Colchester verus Tranmere postponed.
Colchester verus Salford postponed.
