Shock as Crawley Town part company with fan favourite

Jimmy Smith is leaving Crawley Town after six years.
Jimmy Smith has become a familiar face at the People's Pension StadiumJimmy Smith has become a familiar face at the People's Pension Stadium
Jimmy Smith has become a familiar face at the People's Pension Stadium

The club confirmed they would not be renewing the contract of the fans' favourite for the 2020-21 season.

Smith, 33, made 169 appearances in all competitions for the Reds scoring 19 times. He and Filipe Morais even managed the team on a caretaker basis for a brief period after Harry Kewell left in 2018.

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Smith said on Instagram he was grateful to everyone at the club for a great six years. He said: "It is with heavy heart that unfortunately my time with Crawley Town FC has come to an end. After being at the club for six years I have nothing but amazing memories.

Jimmy Smith celebrates a Crawley goalJimmy Smith celebrates a Crawley goal
Jimmy Smith celebrates a Crawley goal

"Crawley Town was more than just a football club to me, from the fans to the board, staff and my teammates. It was an honour to represent you all as a player, captain and even a manager.

"I would like to say a special thank-you to the amazing fans, throughout the years you have supported me and the team, home and away, with so much passion, something I will never forget, and I wish you and the club all the best in the future. I'm looking forward to the future and continuing my football career."

Reds technical director, Erdem Konyar said "After several discussions over the past few days it comes with a heavy heart to announce we will not be continuing with Jimmy Smith in the new season.

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"Personally I only have positives to speak of Jimmy’s time here and he is forever a part of the club’s history. Jimmy has played a massive part in the club’s EFL tenure. It is a tough decision but one we have to take in order to pursue the direction set for the future of the football club.

Jimmy SmithJimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith

"Everyone at Crawley Town Football Club wishes Jimmy and his family all the very best for the future, and thank him for his efforts during his time in red."

Town said further updates regarding the club's retained list would be made in the coming weeks.

Smith began his career at Chelsea as a junior, progressing through the youth ranks before signing professional terms with the club in 2005. After featuring regularly for Chelsea's reserve side during the 2005-06 season, Smith made his only first-team appearance for the club in May 2006.

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He joined Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan then had three months on loan at Norwich City in 2007. Smith had spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Leyton Orient - representing the Os for four seasons, making 180 appearances. He had a season at Stevenage then signed for Crawley n May 2014.