Paul Smith Still Hoping To Stay

Midfielder Paul Smith has spoken to the press and admits he still hopes to secure a new contract at the County Ground despite good friend Iffy Onuora departing the club.

Smith who had surgery on his ankle prior to the last game of the season spoke about the future and what it holds for him with the arrival of Dennis Wise as manager. ‘Obviously things were looking good in terms of a contract when Iffy was here. I’ve known Iffy a long time and he’s a friend but you accept that these things happen in football.

‘In terms of the future, he’s a new manager and I’m sure he’ll have new ideas. Whether I’m part of those plans, I don’t know at this moment in time. All I can say is that I’d very much like to be. I have to go in to the club at some stage to pick up my boots so maybe there will be a chance to talk.’

Smith admits he may have to leave Swindon but as long as he gets honesty from the new management team, it would make for a better situation all around.

‘All I’d like is for everything to be sorted one way or another. Whatever Dennis wants to do is fair enough but, yes, if the phone call comes to talk then I’ll be very happy to. I won’t be bitter and twisted if Dennis decides to look at other midfield options. After all, he’s a midfielder himself and might want to play.’

Smith helped lead Swindon to 16th in the League One table before suffering the ankle injury against Gillingham. Town seemed a different team when Smith was not playing and the club eventually ended up being relegated to League 2 at Bristol City.