Smith joins Robins for pre-season trial
MIDFIELDER Ben Smith will link up with Cheltenham Town for their first day of pre-season training today.
The 30-year-old made 40 appearances for Hereford United last season, but looks set to leave Edgar Street, and Robins boss Martin Allen has invited him along for a trial.
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RATED: Ben Smith (left) in action against Bristol Rovers' earlier this year
Smith is expected to train with Cheltenham for at least a week and is likely to feature in their opening friendly at Bishop's Cleeve on Friday (7.30pm).
Chelmsford-born Smith turned down a move from Weymouth to John Ward's Cheltenham in January 2007, opting to rejoin Hereford for a second spell, and he was quickly installed as the Bulls' club captain.
Having missed out on the likes of Craig Disley and Chris McPhee already this summer, Allen is keen to add an attacking midfielder to his armoury.
"Ben has been offered a new contract by Hereford, but he is not happy with it, so we will have a look at him," Allen said.
"We already have two good central midfield players in David Bird and Andrew Gallinagh, but Ben is more of an attacking player and is very good going forward. He would also give me the option of playing a three."
Smith started out as a trainee at Arsenal, signing professional with the Gunners in 1995, but failing to break into the first team at Highbury.
He joined Reading in 1997, making one substitute appearance before dropping into non-League football with Yeovil Town.
Spells at Southend United, Shrewsbury Town, Hereford and Weymouth followed before he returned to lead the Bulls to automatic promotion from League Two at the end of the 2007-08 campaign.
Allen is targeting one more permanent signing after bringing in winger David Hutton and striker Justin Richards.
He is also hoping to bring in a young striker on a season-long loan.
Cheltenham players were due to report back to be weighed at 9.45am today before beginning their preparations for the new season, which kicks off on August 8 with a home match against Grimsby Town.
Young central defenders Clovis Kamdjo and Ajet Shehu, who have been released by Reading and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, will join Cheltenham for further trials next Monday.
The pair both appeared for the Robins' reserves at the end of last term, impressing Allen enough to be in contention for permanent deals this time around.
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by Bishop Cleeve, The Vatican
Thursday, July 02 2009, 9:09AM
“When we signed Finners all those years ago, do you think it was because he really wanted to come here? He like most other players we sign are cast offs from other teams.
At the time he was with Lincoln, they started playing younger players and Finners did what most footballers do and looked for another club rather than stay and fight.
I for one am glad he threw his toys out of his Lincoln pram and came here. He's been a fantastic servant to the club and we've most definitley had the best days of his career.
Now, unfortunately, his body has started to give up the ghost and given his recent run of injuries, I doubt anyone else will come in for him. If they did, they'll probably offer him lower wages. Would anyone leave for a pay cut? Didn't think so.
Has anyone made any approaches to any of our out of contract players? I would have thought Higgsy would have been snapped up by someone by now?
I will be at Cleeve tomorrow night (it is my parish after all!) and I will be cheering them on as usual.
One player I saw on trial last season was Rene Steer, an Arsenal left back. Lots of pace, good passer and great tackler. He's been released if MAs looking for options there.
Let's stop all this in fighting and get behind MA and the team, heaven knows they could do with our support.”
by intheknow, Glos
Thursday, July 02 2009, 9:08AM
“I suspect not actively. He wants to play for CTFC but realises that with MA in charge he is way down the pecking order.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 02 2009, 8:47AM
“ITK - Do you think Finners is looking for another club?”
by Los.com, Cheltenham
Thursday, July 02 2009, 8:20AM
“ITK Finners has been dead wood for the last 3 seasons just another parasite willing to pick up his over inflated pay packet for no return.”
by intheknow, Glos
Thursday, July 02 2009, 8:15AM
“OK Bob. I'll ask the question again. I'd like to hear what others think.
Let's say, for the sake of argument, that Finnigan is unlikely to figure much this season. He is comfortably the club's highest earner. Does this make him "dead wood"?”