Smith set to leave?

Last updated : 02 August 2007 By
Paul Smith:
Premiership bound?
According to unconfirmed reports,
Brentford goalkeeper and the overwhelming winner of the Bee Hive Player of last season, Paul Smith, may be about to leave West London for the bright lights of the FA Barclaycard Premiership.

The 23-year-old Smith became an integral part of Wally Downes' defensive unit last season, keeping 15 clean sheets in his 52 appearances and is said to be interesting FA Barclaycard Premiership clubs, Arsenal and Birmingham City.

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wegner, has identified the need for a new goalkeeper now that David Seaman is approaching his 40th birthday and although Smith may not be able walk into the Highbury first team straight away, he could become a useful addition to the Gunners' multi-talented squad.

However, Steve Bruce's Birmingham City would appear to offer a more realistic route into the Premiership for Smith, where presumably he would be granted a better chance of regular first team football.

Whether these rumours have any foundation or not, it now seems only a mater of time before the undoubtedly talented Smith plys his trade at a higher level.

With the rumour season in full swing, all Bees' fans will be united in hoping that Smith remains a Brentford player for the 2003/04 season.

WILL PAUL SMITH REMAIN A BEE?

Bee Hive Rumour Mill rating 5/10.

The Bee Hive editor thinks it remains likely that Smith will still be a Brentford player come the start of the season, unless one of the Premiership big boys makes an offer the board simply can not refuse.

The under contract Smith would command a sizeable fee and this apart, all Brentford supporters will no doubt be hoping that the young goalkeeper remains at the club for the foreseeable future.

Nb. The editor would like to thank Bee Hive reader, Matthew Foran, for his input in helping to compile this report.

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