Smith at Dagenham on loan

Tom Smith will spend the remainder of the 2020/21 season on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge.

The midfielder, who turned 23 last Thursday, was Jerry Gill’s first signing as manager and has made 130 appearances since initially joining on loan from Swindon Town in October 2017.

He signed for League Two Cheltenham Town in the summer of 2018, but by September was back on loan with Bath, which later became permanent.

Gill said: “I am delighted Tom has been given an opportunity to go and play football at National League level for the remainder of the season.

“It’s very important we allow our players to progress and be challenged with their football if the circumstances are right.

“I feel under Daryl Mcmahon he will learn and be coached well which can only improve Tom’s allround game.

“I would like to thank John Still, Steve Thompson and Daryl for their professional co-operation with this deal.

“I personally will be attending his games to ensure I continue to observe and support Tom’s development.”

Smith has scored 40 goals for Bath with 17 in 2019/20 as was named Vanarama National League South Player of the Year in recognition of his fine performances and stunning goals.

Although he didn’t get off the mark this term until December’s win at Dorking Wanderers, the attack-minded player rediscovered his scoring touch with five goals in his last nine outings, the last an uncharacteristic tap-in in City’s final fixture, a 2-1 win over Havant & Waterlooville.

A model of consistency, the former Swindon Town man has started every match for the Romans barring the Somerset Premier Cup since August 2019, but was an unused substitute for Dagenham’s 1-0 loss at Yeovil on Saturday.

He played 65 minutes of Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Solihull Moors. The Essex outfit are currently 17th in the National League from 24 matches, nine points from the playoffs in a division where no team is set to be relegated this term.