Striker hoping for play-off joy
Michael Smith brought his Pompey loan spell to an end by helping secure victory at Hartlepool.
The striker is frustrated that he is unable to feature against Northampton next Saturday and, more importantly, in those pivotal play-off clashes with Plymouth.
But now he will become a Blues fan and – like thousands of others – hope they can achieve Wembley glory.
And Smith wants to be there cheering them on in north London should Pompey overcome Argyle.
He said: “It’s important to build some momentum ahead of the play-offs, so I’m sure the boys will take confidence going into those games.
“I just love playing football, so to be told that I can’t be involved is really hard for me to take. It’s frustrating.
“It’s a difficult pill to swallow, but I’m sure the boys will get the job done over the two legs and at Wembley.
“Swindon have told me I can go away on holiday a bit early, but I’ll be following the matches and if we get to Wembley then hopefully I’ll make it down.
“I’ve loved my time here and the players, staff and fans have all been fantastic. I can’t thank them enough.”
Smith was impressed that almost 1,000 supporters made the long trek north to back the Blues at Victoria Park.
He said: “They’ve been great ever since I came here and the rest of the lads say it’s always been that way.
“Hartlepool’s a long way away, so for so many of them to make the trip up to watch us is fantastic – fair play to them.
“They never stopped backing us and it’s like having a 12th man on the pitch when you’ve got fans like that.”
Conor Chaplin came off the bench to wrap up the 2-0 victory against Hartlepool and Smith has been impressed by the Pompey academy graduate.
He said: “Conor’s a great player and his goal record speaks for itself – if there’s a chance then he always seems to score.”
Cheers for all the messages, loved my time at @officialpompey wish the boys and the club all best in the play offs #PUP
— michael smith (@smudga17) April 30, 2016