Bognor star man set to quit Nyewood Lane for National League side

Bognor striker Dan Smith is poised to join Vanarama National League side Eastleigh as he chases his dream of playing professionally in the Football League.
Dan Smith receives a player of the month award at Nyewood Lane earlier this season / Picture: Tommy McMillanDan Smith receives a player of the month award at Nyewood Lane earlier this season / Picture: Tommy McMillan
Dan Smith receives a player of the month award at Nyewood Lane earlier this season / Picture: Tommy McMillan

Bognor say the move highlights the opportunities for young players to continue their football development at Nyewood Lane but it will be a huge disappointment to fans who had hoped the leading scorer from this season would lead the line again next term.

Bognor will get a fee for Smith, but this has yet to be agreed.

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That's according to head coach Robbie Blake, the former Premier League attacker, who is No2 to manager Jack Pearce at Bognor. Smith, who is aged 20, made the permanent move to the Rocks last summer after a loan spell at Cork City following his release by League One Portsmouth.

Smith flourished under the tutelage of Blake, who scored a glut of goals in the top flight. Smith scored 25 times for the club in the Isthmian Premier Division before the Covid-19 pandemic saw the season prematurely scrapped. As well as training part-time with Bognor, Smith also attended training sessions with Eastleigh last term to sharpen his fitness.

Now he is set to switch to the Spitfires and Blake says the fact he is off to play at a higher level should encourage budding starlets to try their chances at Bognor.

He said: "Players who come to Bognor should know that they can continue to develop their football education in a team that plays an expansive game on a fantastic pitch with brilliant amenities. The players who will look at Dan's progression will see how much they can add to their game by joining us.

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"They might have been released by a league cub or feel they haven't had the chance to prove their worth yet coming up through the levels. One way or another I am confident that we can help them make progress and this is evident with Dan looking like he is moving to Eastleigh."

Bognor general manager Simon Cook says losing Smith is a blow but that the bigger picture is that a young player is a step nearer following his dream to play the game in the league.

He added: "We wish Dan all the very best in the next step of his career and we're delighted that he is making such great progress. It must have been disappointing to be released by Pompey but he has knuckled down and made the most of his talent with a fantastic attitude and application. He scored a total of 39 goals in 61 games for the club and that record speaks for itself."

It is understood that the two clubs have yet to agree on a fee for the goal-getter but it is hoped that an amicable arrangement will be finalised soon.