Huddersfield Town

The 23 year-old defender has put pen to paper on a deal running until 2018, with the Club having the option of a further year’s extension at that point (click HERE for full info and comment from Chris Powell).

“I really am delighted to be here; everything about the Club is well suited to me,” Tommy explained to htafc.com.

“I get along really well with the coaching staff, who believe in me, and we have a brilliant bunch of players to play alongside. The supporters of the Club are great too; everything is here for me. That all made it an easy decision to extend my stay.” 

Since his debut at Sheffield Wednesday in November 2013, Smith has become a virtual ever-present in the First Team – making 70 appearances for the Club in just 17 months. 

He continued: “I’m delighted with the amount of faith everyone at the Club has shown in me, particularly the Manager since his arrival. I’ve played just over 40 games this season and to have played 70 games since November 2013 is obviously great.” 

Having joined the Club in the summer of 2012, Tommy had to be patient in waiting for his First Team opportunity – but he knows it is vital to wait until a young player is 100% ready for exposure to senior football.

“The Manager has spoken about how important it is to give young players a chance, but he’s right in saying that it must be the right time for each individual. Blackpool may look like the ideal opportunity, but it has to be right for them. The last thing you want to do is put someone in who isn’t quite ready and have them struggle, as they will linger on it all summer. 

“This is why the Manager is here though. He has fantastic experience and he knows what is best for the players. He will do what is best for the young players at the Club and involve them when they are ready. 

“I was in that position 18 months ago and everyone was great with me; they still are to this day. I had to be patient for my debut, but it definitely came at the right time for me; I was ready. 

“I was delighted for Joe Wilkinson last weekend. He’s a quiet lad, but I thought he handled the game very well and we’re all delighted for him.” 

During his three seasons at the Club, Smith explained that the ambition is plain to see:

“During my time here, we’ve recruited players who have added quality to the squad. The biggest change has been the Manager’s arrival alongside Alex Dyer; he’s been a big influence on me. 

“That’s more reason for me to extend my stay – I can definitely see the direction that the Club wants to go in. I wanted as long a deal as possible and the Club was happy to agree to that, which is great. I can see the Club has genuine ambition to push on next season and I definitely want to be a part of that.” 

In line with the squad, he believes he has become a better footballer too – although he is adamant there is a lot more to come.

He continued: “I think I’m improving, but I’m certainly nowhere near the finished article. I know there are a lot of things I need to work on and, like the fans will be, I’m keen to see me improve further. 

“I’ve now got another three years here and I believe that under the guidance of the staff I can improve.”

For now, Tommy is focussed on the final game of the season at Blackpool on Saturday; a game he thinks is very important as a send-off to the summer.

“I think a lot of teams take their foot off the gas towards the end of the season; the phrase that is used is being ‘on the beach’. I certainly don’t think we go down that route as a Club though. If anything, we’re completely the opposite; we’ve been determined to finish strongly to set ourselves up for next season.

“We’re six unbeaten now, so we’ll go to Blackpool on Saturday looking to make that seven; that’s important to us. It would be nice to win the final game for our supporters, who will turn out in good numbers once again on Saturday.”