Reading FC favourite on his big-money Wrexham move...

Reading FC favourite on his big-money Wrexham move

In an emotional farewell message to fans, former Reading attacker Sam Smith said that the transfer to Wrexham,

which was finalised on Friday, was one he ‘could not turn down’.

The 26-year-old Academy product, who made an impression with Cambridge United, returned in the summer of

2023 after scoring twice in 11 games during his previous stint.

The North West native, who has scored 27 goals in 63 games over the past 18 months, moved to the Red Dragons,

who are owned by Ryan Reynolds of Deadpool and now sit third in League One, for £2 million.

Issuing a statement on his social media channels wishing the club and supporters well, the striker said: “It’s been a

tough decision but a project I couldn’t turn down and an opportunity to move back home closer to my family.”

Speaking more broadly on his time with the club, the statement read: “I didn’t think I’d be writing this, but it is time

to say goodbye for a second time, Royals.

“I can wholeheartedly say I gave everything and it was an honour to be able to return and live out my teenage

ambition of scoring goals and leading the line for this football club.

“I hope that everything off the pitch can be settled soon because it’s something that everyone connected to the club

deserves, and we had some incredible moments in trying times.

“Thank you to everyone with whom I’ve shared the pitch. I’ve played with some incredible people and made lifelong

friends. I want to thank the fans for their support. You’ve been there from the Academy days until my homecoming

and up to this point. I’ll see you shortly.

In March, Wrexham, led by the legendary Phil Parkinson, will visit the SCL Stadium.