A striker that left Leeds United back in 2014 has just confirmed on Twitter that he is leaving his current club on a free transfer despite scoring 25 goals during 2023-24.
Matt Smith’s exit from Leeds is well-renowned and even lends a name to BBC commentator Adam Pope’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet Podcast. His story with Leeds began back in July 2013, joining from Oldham.
He played 48 times before exiting a little over a year later, scoring 14 goals and laying on seven assists for Leeds. Smith left with fans questioning his departure after a successful first season at Elland Road.
But his move to Fulham is mostly remembered because of how Leeds reported it on their Twitter account. They told Leeds fans not to go to bed just yet, just hours before the end of the summer deadline in 2014.
Moments later, Leeds confirmed the sales of Dom Poleon and Smith and it left fans bemused given they were expecting a new signing.
Former Leeds man Smith confirms Salford exit despite 25 goals
Smith has gone on to enjoy an excellent career in The Football League. He turned out for Fulham, Bristol City, QPR and Millwall, racking up 276 appearances in the Championship.
In January 2022, Smith went to Salford City and has remained there since. This season, 34-year-old Smith enjoyed his best goalscoring season with a huge 25 goals, but he has now confirmed on X he will be leaving the League Two side managed by Karl Robinson.
While his age would suggest that a free transfer exit might not be massively surprising, for Salford to let the veteran target man depart is a bit of a surprise given he has netted so many goals during 2023-24.
Smith says he could retire after Salford City exit
Smith posted on X, with the caption “Thank you Salford City” alongside a picture of himself and his son in a Salford shirt alongside a message to the club’s supporters.
Hinting at retirement, he wrote: “My time at Salford City has come to an end. Whilst I write this with a heavy heart, I’ll always be grateful to everyone at the club. None more than you, the fans, for your incredible support over last three years.
“The reception that I received on Saturday will stay with me forever. I’m so sorry I couldn’t help us to achieve that promotion which was my ultimate aim when I signed. To come so close last season was a huge blow to me personally.
“Despite this, to leave as the club’s all-time leading scorer in the EFL, the third-highest scorer in the country right now, divisional team of the season and your player of the year makes me very proud.
“It’s been an absolute joy to work with such a great group of players and coaches. A special thanks must go to the owners. Especially Gary, Ryan, Nicky and Scholesy for their continued guidance.
“I’m going to take some time now to consider my next step, which includes opportunities away from playing. Until next time, Matt Smith… again.”
