Young Darlington striker has been on trial with us this week, we are said to be keen on a deal after he performed well in a reserve game
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/9204752.The_standards_have_been_set_for_Quakers/ "Michael Smith missed Tuesday game as he played a trial game for Watford's reserves against Reading and Cooper says there is a chance that the striker could be heading to the Hornets. He said: "Watford like him and the two clubs are speaking at the moment. "He played for their reserves on Tuesday and apparently did very well." He has already been on trial at Stoke and it is understood several others keen to run the rule over him."
He scored six goals in 36 games during his debut season. Not too bad for an 19 year old. He surely is worth a punt.
I would be nice to mention I know that we are linked to, unless you are complete footballhead and read 441 every day and know every player in the league, but who the hell is Micheal Smith.
"He’s 6ft 4in, he’s got a goal in him, he’s mobile and he’s English – what club wouldn’t be interested?" - Mark Cooper (Darlington manager) They also rejected a £80,000 bid from Bristol City for him at the end of last season.
But is he the answer to our current lack of fire-power, I think not? One for the future maybe, but we need a poacher right now!!!
Ye I would take him now on a free and maybe loan him out if he has the potential, and get another striker from somewhere else simple
Yeah last season they had a bid rejected ? I thought that maybe his contract at Darlington ended recently and thats why hes been allowed to go on trial.
I've just been e-mailed this by a fella I work with who is a Darlo fan; http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/north-...-darlington-ace-michael-smith-84229-29266107/ Hope you sign him off us. Massively over-rated, and we need the money!
Darlington fan here... Regarding Michael Smith. 6 foot 4" striker. The lad's definitely got potential, no doubt about it. His goal scoring record for us is OK. He's scored mainly headers but he needs to be a lot stronger and put his head in where it hurts more often. He's done well considering he was diagnosed with meningitis and missed a fair part of the 2 years he had as a youth player. Smith was on trial with Stoke and did well. He scored v Tiverton and got an assist v Newcastle Town. (Scored for us v Newton Aycliffe too) However, Stoke never followed up there interest which was a bit of a blow for him. As mentioned we rejected a £80k bid from Bristol City and a few other clubs were interested. I think Charlton was one. If he goes to Watford then it wouldn't be the only time one of players have gone to a bigger club. 6 ft 8", CB, Dan Burn went to Fulham this summer for a fee of £325k rising to £2 million in future clauses. And not forgetting David Stockdale. Anyhow, you'll have a decent prospect for the future if you get him. Fee should be £100k + future clauses as that what we are seeking.
Interesting stuff. Cheers for your views "TheQuakers". As mentioned by others though, I don't think he's going to be what we need at the moment, but sounds like he could be one for the future.
a fan of Darlington wrote this He has a lot of potential, missed a year of his Apprentice due to Meningitis but has recovered and done really well, already played a fair few games for the First team despite his age. Watford would be a good move for him, a bigger club but not too big to get over looked. Best of luck to the lad, a genuinely nice guy as well
