Smith ‘has done all he can for deal’
CHRIS Wilder says Tommy Smith “can’t do anymore” in his attempt to win a contract at Middlesbrough, hailing the defender and giving a strong hint that he’ll be offered a permanent deal.
Smith has been on trial throughout the summer, featuring in all of the friendlies and joining the squad for the pre-season trip to Portugal.
It’s no secret that Isaiah Jones will be Boro’s first choice right wing-back next season, but Wilder places great emphasis on the importance of squad depth and cover.
Smith played the second half of Boro’s win at Morecambe on Tuesday night, after which Wilder said: “Tommy can’t do anymore in terms of what he’s done since he come in, so we’ll just see how that concludes. He’s come in and done well.
“He’s a good character with good experience and good standards and play. We’ll see where that goes. We know we need strength in depth, and there are going to be two or three players who we’re bringing in to go straight into the first team and some that are about competition.”
Wilder continued:
“Let’s put cards on the table, we’ve not brought Zack Steffen in to be a number two. He has to play well, which we feel
he will do, but he’s coming in as number one. There are other players that we bring in will be potential starters. But I’m a massive believer in the group and Tommy understands the challenge if he does come in.
“We definitely need someone to come in and push a really talented young boy [Jones] because things happen... injuries, suspension, loss of form or whatever, so we need competition for places. There will be some boys that come in just to give us that depth.”
Wilder was delighted to bolster his squad with the addition of Steffen on Tuesday, with the keeper travelling to Morecambe and watching from the stands. The boss will now turn his attention to bringing in forwards, but also has eyes on a left sided central defender and a midfielder following the exit of Martin Payero.
Wilder described Steffen as a “fabulous signing” and admires his attitude and positive approach as well as his qualities as a goalkeeper.
He said: “Listen, I’m happy to hear he is really positive about joining than negative. I love the mentality of the Americans. They’re great and they want to win. They don’t always win but they have that mentality instilled in them. Zack certainly has that and it’s great to have.”