Tommy aims to make start in top flight
TOMMY Smith is expected to be fully fit for Huddersfield Town’s pre-season training ahead of the club’s first-ever Premier League campaign.
The full-back suffered a small fracture to a bone in his foot in the 88th minute of the club’s historic SkyBet Championship Play-Off final win over Reading FC last Monday.
The 25-year-old, a virtual everpresent throughout the season, was forced off after the tackle from Royals forward Yann Kermorgant, in a game Town went on to win 4-3 on penalties.
However, speaking immediately after the Wembley win, Smith was more than happy to take the shortterm pain for the long-term gain of promotion to the Premier League.
“My foot is in a boot which is unfortunate, but at this minute I really couldn’t care less,” said Smith.
“The feeling of what I have just witnessed outside takes away anything that has happened to me.
“I’m delighted for the lads, for the club, for the chairman, the fans, everyone involved – what we’ve done today is a massive achievement.”
Although leaving the stadium on crutches, his recovery is already well under way with Smith expected to return to full training during the early stages of the pre-season build-up.
As previously confirmed, other long-term casualties Philip Billing and Jon Gorenc Stanković (both knee) are also progressing well in their rehabiliation. ■■Huddersfield Town’s Sean Scannell is a winner both on and off the field after being recognised by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for his community work.
The 26-year-old winger has followed up last week’s SkyBet Championship Play-Off final promotion success by being named the club’s PFA Community Player of the Year for the 2016/17 season.
The London-born player is currently the longest-serving member of David Wagner’s squad having joined the club back in the summer of 2012 and picks up the accolade due to his commitment to making a difference in the local area.
Scannell has made a number of appearances across the community during the campaign, visiting schemes run bu Town’s Community Department including the Town Foundation’s ‘Early Kick-Off’ breakfast clubs and regular half-term Soccer Schools.
Town’s Community Head of Football and Sport, Rob Day, commented: “I’m really happy Sean’s commitment to the local area can get recognised in this manner.
“He considers Huddersfield his second home and is always willing to help us out by appearing at community initiatives.
“Speaking with him, he understands what an impact footballers can have on youngsters; he felt the same way when footballers visited his school or area down in Croydon. I have no doubt that he’s made a big impact on many children in our area too.”