Reading FC manager Noel Hunt has admitted he was left “hurt and upset” by the sale of Sam Smith to Wrexham AFC in a deal worth £2 million.
The 26-year-old, who had been a key player for the Royals, scored 11 goals in the first half of the season and leaves with nearly 30 goals in over 60 appearances across two spells at the club.
Reading Forced into Sale
Smith’s departure marks the first major exit of the January transfer window, which closes at 11pm on Monday. Despite Hunt’s desire to keep his squad intact, Reading accepted what was described as a “handsome offer” from Wrexham.
Hunt revealed that he was informed of the deal on Thursday evening and had little time to react.
“It happened so quick with Sam. I was pulled in on Thursday evening after training and was told, from the club’s point of view, the offer was too good to turn down and they had permission to speak to him. It was a tough one to take, we didn’t want to lose anyone in this window.”
The transfer, a club-record signing for Wrexham, saw Smith immediately thrown into the starting XI by manager Phil Parkinson, a former Reading player, in Wrexham’s 2-1 win over Crawley Town on Saturday.
Hunt’s Frustration Over Departure
Hunt admitted that, despite the significant fee received for Smith, the sale was difficult to accept.
“I was told that we were going to try and keep everybody. Of course, you’re upset and hurt by it, but I have to move on and focus on what I have to work on on the pitch.”
While Hunt remains determined to push forward with the players still at his disposal, he acknowledged the blow of losing his top scorer.
Reading’s hopes for reinforcements remain uncertain, though Hunt suggested there may be room for a replacement.
“We potentially might be able to bring someone in with the space left by Sam. We will ask the question.”
Reading Bounce Back with Victory
Despite Smith’s exit, Reading managed to halt a three-match losing run with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers, thanks to an 89th-minute winner from Harvey Knibbs.
The result lifted morale within the squad and provided Hunt with a much-needed boost as he aims to stabilise the club following a turbulent January.
Writer’s View
Smith’s departure is a significant loss for Reading, particularly given his goal-scoring record and influence in the squad. While the fee received is substantial, it remains to be seen whether Reading will reinvest in a replacement before the deadline. With Hunt keen to keep the rest of his squad intact, the focus now shifts to securing results with the players still available.
