Midfielder Smith targets 'Ideal' Robins switch
BEN SMITH says that signing for Cheltenham Town would be an "ideal move" for him.
The midfielder has joined the Robins for pre-season training and is expected to feature in tomorrow's friendly against Bishop's Cleeve.
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AND THEY'RE OFF: Cheltenham Town players are put through their paces on the first day of pre-season training yesterday
Smith, 30, has been offered a new contract on lower wages by Hereford United, where he was club captain, but he believes it is the right time to move on and is hoping a deal can be done to take him to the Abbey Business Stadium.
"From a personal point of view it would be ideal, so we will see what happens over the next few weeks," Smith said.
"I live in Worcester so it's only 25 minutes down the road. The manager (Martin Allen) invited me to train and we will have a look at things, see how it goes and have chat as pre-season goes on.
"Whether I sign for Cheltenham or not, it's good for me as I need to be training and keeping myself ticking over."
Smith played a key role in Hereford's promotion to League One at the end of the 2007-08 campaign, but was unable to prevent them suffering an immediate return to League Two.
He almost joined Cheltenham in January 2007, but opted to rejoin Hereford after leaving Weymouth.
"I was pretty close to coming to Cheltenham a couple of years ago and it was between them and Hereford," he said.
"I joined Hereford because I knew the club and I had worked with the manager (Graham Turner) before and I felt comfortable with that.
"It was the right decision because we had a great season getting promoted to League One. Last season wasn't ideal, but overall I enjoyed both my spells at Hereford.
"I don't regret going there, but unless they come back to me with another offer, which I don't envisage happening now, it's probably time for me to move and look somewhere else."
Allen said he was keen to capture Smith, but he had other midfield candidates.
"Ben is one a number of players and there will be a couple of others coming in next week," Allen said.
"But it would be good for us to get him here. He is a good passer, has had a good career and has a good attitude.
"He is a good, intelligent man, who is doing a sports management degree to get a masters. He has been a captain, played in a promotion- winning team and offers something we don't have, so I'd like to sign him.
"We will have to see how the finances are to see if we can do it."
● Training pictures, Page 39
23 Comments
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by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Saturday, July 04 2009, 12:41PM
“Ok Mick - Assuming that the player is signed on a free transfer, then the 15k will go towards his wages. I don't know the wage structure at Chelt, but I'm guessing that the newer players are on about £300-£500 per week. Therefore, the 15k will cover the player's wages for a minimum of 30 weeks, if he player is on £500 per week. That leaves the directors or another party (maybe supporters trust), to fund the rest. If you read my posts, I NEVER said that the 15k would cover the costs completely. However, as me and Paul HAVE stated, the 15k raised would help the club to fund another player.”
by mick, cheltenham
Saturday, July 04 2009, 6:29AM
“Yes I am saying it will make NO difference - IF it was ever raised (and I repeat that many of the initial pledges were bogus and will never be collected) and IF the money doesn't just disappear into mid air (as so many lump sums have over recent years - TV money, Newcastle money, transfers out money etc) you tell me who you could sign for such an amount and how long you could pay them for for £15K”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Friday, July 03 2009, 11:01AM
“Exactly my point Paul - it doesn't what you can afford to donate - every little bit helps.
This is the 1st time there has been such a major appeal to the fans to raise much-needed money for the club - 15k extra towards the playing budget WILL make a difference. Fans have always responded well to these types of appeals at other clubs - I'm sure the Chelt fans will be no different.”
by Paul, Cheltenham
Friday, July 03 2009, 10:24AM
“Perhaps £15k isn't a huge amount of money, but it will help.
Just like my £200 season ticket isn't much, but helps, or the £2.50 for a hot dog isn't much, or the £5 kids ticket isn't much.
All those little bits add up.
Also, if you check out the justgiving . com website you'll see that there is more than just one person collecting.
Look up "Cheltenham Town Community, Education and Sporting Trust Ltd."”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Friday, July 03 2009, 8:03AM
“Yawn Mick! Yes, we all remember what you said and what keep on saying - not that I'm saying your like a broken record or anything!
So Mick, what your saying is, if 15k is raised (or whatever is raised), this will make absolutely NO DIFFERENCE to the club?
Not sure how you come to your conclusions, Mick.”
by mick, cheltenham
Friday, July 03 2009, 5:35AM
“This is probably a good time to remind you of a previous posting of mine. Anyone with half a brain would know that £15K will not either buy or pay even a rubbish player who would not strengthen the squad. Therefore, even those 'supporters' who rushed in to pledge money for this ludicrous self-publicity stunt have thought about it and will not waste their money and their 'pledges' will turn to dust. This was always likely to end in farce - watch this space”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 02 2009, 5:47PM
“Nothing to do with the story - but I've just been on the Bike Ride donation site to see that we have raised 9% of the total so far. C'mon Chelt fans and local businesses - if you want the club to buy higher quality players - all donations would be most welcome! I've done my bit, as I said I would - £15,000 is the target - C'mon Chelt fans - every pound counts!”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 02 2009, 5:13PM
“Read that too - Finners MUST prove his fitness over this crucial pre-season to stand any chance of being a regular starter come the start of the season. It's a shame as Finners is a Chelt legend and a great bloke to talk to. It's deffo not the start Finners had envisaged, but hopefully, he can make a quick recovery and be involved in the rest of the pre-season friendlies.”
by F Smythe, Chelt
Thursday, July 02 2009, 4:34PM
“I see Finnigan picked up an injury during light training yesterday. No wonder Allen feels he doesn't need him.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 02 2009, 3:19PM
“Tarquin - MA deffo divides opinions whereever he goes, whether they be fans, players or opposing managers. He seems to have friends in and around the London area, so maybe that's where any other new players will come from - as long as MA can convince them to move to the quiet Cotswolds!”