{"id":552756,"date":"2020-06-03T07:04:14","date_gmt":"2020-06-03T11:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=552756"},"modified":"2020-06-03T07:04:14","modified_gmt":"2020-06-03T11:04:14","slug":"tommy-smith-refuses-to-rule-out-sunderland-return-as-interest-grows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/06\/03\/tommy-smith-refuses-to-rule-out-sunderland-return-as-interest-grows\/","title":{"rendered":"Tommy Smith Refuses to Rule out Sunderland Return as Interest Grows"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Zealander Tommy Smith<\/a> has refused to rule out a Black Cats return despite leaving the club last week.<\/p>\n

Tommy Smith Refuses to Rule out Sunderland<\/a> Return as Interest Grows<\/h2>\n

Smith ‘Might Be Looked at Again’<\/h3>\n

Tommy Smith has discussed his exit from the Stadium Light – and suggested that a return to the Black Cats could still happen.<\/p>\n

The central defender signed a short-term deal in February as cover for the injured Bailey Wright.<\/p>\n

But the New Zealander failed to make a competitive appearance before football was suspended in March.<\/p>\n

The outcome of the League One season is still not cemented, but Smith was told last week that his contract would not be extended.<\/p>\n

However, while a departure from the Stadium of Light is certain – the idea of a return was suggested by chairman Stewart Donald during his exit talks.<\/p>\n

“It was just really bad timing and unfortunately I’d only signed a short-term deal,” said the 30-year-old to the NZ Herald (via Sunderland Echo<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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“Clubs in League One don’t know when games are going ahead again so the chairman said he wasn’t going to exercise any extension which is fair enough, so I knew that was coming.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“But he also said I might be looked at again in the future once things are a bit clearer moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith: I’ve Had a Little Bit of Interest<\/h3>\n

Smith now has time available to evaluate his options as he is unable to sign for a new club until June 10 at the earliest.<\/p>\n

The New Zealand international said he has received preliminary interest from a number of clubs; but no decision has been made.<\/p>\n

“I’ve had a little bit of interest both in the UK and abroad but I think clubs are holding fire on making those decisions until they know what’s going to be happening, (firstly) with this season and (secondly) when next season is going to be scheduled and that isn’t even clear yet,” he said.<\/p>\n

“So I’m in limbo a bit at the moment but all I can do is keep myself fit and be ready to take the next chance wherever that may be. I’ve got a lot left in me yet.”<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>