‘Wildest of dreams’ – C’Ship forward labels Leeds experience as one of craziest times in career
Former Leeds United forward Matt Smith has labelled his exit to Fulham as one of the craziest things that has happened in his career.
Smith left Elland Road back in 2014, only a matter of months after signing a three-year deal for a fee believed to be around £800,000.
The now-Millwall man had enjoyed a successful first year in West Yorkshire scoring 13 alongside Ross McCormack meaning his departure was as shocking to fans.
Smith claimed he was looking forward to continuing his form at Elland Road, something that was cut short by this unexpected exit from the club.
“I ended up signing for three years, was given the No.9 shirt and was really excited going into that season,” he told the Going Up, Going Down podcast.
“But what ended up happening off the back of signing that contract I literally would not have imagined in my wildest of dreams. It was a really bizarre turn all very quickly.
“But, listen, crazy things happen in football and I am sure that it will not be the last time that something like this happens.”
It was in the era of Massimo Cellino so nothing should have been a surprise looking back, but this one shouldn’t have happened.
Leeds is a much better place to play your football nowadays under the leadership of Andrea Radrizzani, who has brought the good times back to Elland Road.
The Italian has made sure that rather than being a selling club, the nucleus of his squad are all on long-term deals – something which means unlikely exits such as the Smith deal, shouldn’t happen again.
In other Leeds United news, ‘One to watch’ – Reliable journalist shares ‘whispers’ heard about potential Bielsa replacement