The 24-year-old, who has been plagued with injuries over the last two years, has received a massive boost by Steve Tilson and Ron Martin with the announcement that he will indeed be offered the opportunity to show he has the ability to be a Championship player next season. And Smith will now go up the pecking order following the departure of fellow central midfielder Mark Bentley.
A delighted Smith told the clubs official website: “I am looking forward to next season and playing in the Championship and hopefully I can get a few more games next season and do well for the Club.”
“On a personal note it wasn't a very good year, although it was great for the Club, but this year I'm looking to give it a real go and show what I can do.”
Smith also wanted to express his appreciation to club Chairman Ron Martin and Manager Steve Tilson that he was offered a new contract, despite his consistent unavailability through injury. The 24-year-old explained: “It's nice that the Club has stuck by me and that the gaffer has shown faith in my ability.”
“Hopefully this coming season I can show that because it's been annoying the last year with my injuries.”
Tilson himself was quick to compliment Smith on his ability and hopes the still young midfielder can have his best season yet, telling Chris Phillips of the Southend Evening Echo: “I think everyone knows what Jay is capable of when he's fully fit so it's really good news he's agreed to stay next season.”
The 38-year-old added: “He's had a bad time with injuries but hopefully that is all behind him now and he can really push into our plans.”
Smith joined the Blues in 2002 from Aston Villa on a Free Transfer following a fruitful loan spell with the club. From there the exciting prospect, who had played for Villa's reserve and under 18 side on a regular basis, became an instant hit with the fans due to his hard-working, hard-battling attitude.
Smith has made 65 starts and 14 substitute appearances for the Shrimpers, not a bad tally considering the number of injuries the Lambeth born midfielder has received, scoring 10 goals.
Meanwhile in other club news, Blues commercial manager Brian Wheeler confirmed today that the club have sold a record number of season cards/tickets for the forthcoming season: “It's been very encouraging; last season we sold 2,700 season cards and at the time that was a record so to be up to 6,000 already is excellent.”
Elsewhere, Southend United's under 14 and under 16 sides have flown to
So the season may have finished but it is still all systems go for Southend United F.C!
Adam Duffill
www.thelittlegazette.com