How is Korey Smith faring at Cambridge United after his Derby County exit?
10/10/2024 08:03 AM
Derby County saw a number of experienced players depart this summer and amongst those to have moved on was Korey Smith.
Derby County were always bound to revamp their squad after winning promotion from League One, meaning a handful of their squad were allowed to leave on a free transfer.
It was not a massive surprise seeing as a handful of the Rams’ additions from the 2022/23 campaign were signed on two-year deals with the sole goal of returning the club to the Championship. Conor Hourihane fell into that category and joined Barnsley, whilst Joe Wildsmith and Louie Sibley secured second tier moves to West Brom and Oxford United respectively.
Veteran strikers Dwight Gayle and Martyn Waghorn were also released, the latter yet to find a club whilst Gayle recently joined Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.
The plan for Smith was initially unclear with a selection of supporters surprised to see him let go. It was not long before he found a new side, however, as Cambridge United capitalised to secure his services on a two-year deal.
But just how has the 33-year-old fared since leaving Derby County? We take a look here…
Heavily involved
The midfielder has featured 11 times in all competitions for his new side so far, starting all nine of the U’s League One outings to date.
Unfortunately, Cambridge have not enjoyed the brightest of starts to their season. Garry Monk’s side are still winless and currently sit rock bottom of the third tier table on just one point gained from a hectic 4-4 draw with Blackpool.
It has certainly been a frustrating period for the ex-Ram and he would be forgiven for feeling conflicted. From a personal standpoint he will be delighted with the amount of playing time he is receiving, though no footballer is truly happy when they are not winning.
Smith has played almost every minute of the U’s league campaign and he will be hoping that he can continue in that vein, though he will be equally as desperate for their form to turn around before it is too late.
The last dance
It is fair to say that the former Derby County ace is no longer a spring chicken. By the time his contract expires at the Cledara Abbey Stadium he will be 35 years old, so retirement could well be in mind.
A product of Norwich City’s academy, Smith featured 73 times for the Canaries and spent time on loan with Barnsley, Yeovil Town and Oldham Athletic before signing for the latter on a permanent basis in 2013.
One season later, he was poached by Bristol City and stayed at Ashton Gate for six years. Consecutive two-year spells followed with Swansea City and the Rams, all leading to Cambridge becoming his current home.
Whilst the midfielder is surely focused on playing for the time being, it would not be a surprise if he was to see his career out with the U’s. Steering them clear of trouble this season would be an another achievement to look back on once his boots are hung up.
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