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Thursday, 4th December 2008

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Smith back



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Published Date: 04 September 2008
ANDY Smith (pictured) has made a shock return to Shamrock Park - less than two months after vowing to close the door on his Portadown career.
The former Northern Ireland international took part in Monday night's training session and Ports boss, Ronnie McFall, admits he is willing to once again consider the striker part of his squad.
Smith has been in self-imposed exile from Portadown si
nce July in protest at the club's refusal to grant the striker freedom from his long-term contract.
However, he made a surprise return this week - although the next step remains unclear.
"As a club we stood steadfast in the decision to keep every player under contract," said McFall. "It was Andy's own choice not to turn up.
"He then made contact with me and was at training on Monday.
"We will just have to wait and see how everything develops.
"The ball is firmly in Andy's court so we will view things on a day-by-day basis.
"I do not have a problem with Andy, once again, becoming available for selection.
"However, I must emphasise that we have Gary McCutcheon, Kevin Braniff, Richard Leckey, Aaron Haire and Jordan Baker as forwards at the club so I am also happy with my current options."
Smith could even be in line to feature on Tuesday night against Loughgall at Lakeview Park, although at this stage the striker has only just returned to club training.
News of the forward's decision to report for training is sure to attract a mixed response from supporters.
Many view his refusal to play as an act of disrespect towards the club but others will welcome the addition of such a proven talent to the promotion-chasing panel.



The full article contains 289 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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  • Last Updated: 04 September 2008 3:28 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Portadown
 
 
  

 
 


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