Tommy Smith is the young, commanding centre half who came to us on loan from Ipswich Town in 2008; looking at ease in each game he played for us. His presence at the back for us was significant. Not only that, but his judgement was so measured for a player still in the early stages of his career. In 2010, Smith travelled to the World Cup in South Africa to represent New Zealand. His commendable displays helped the All Whites to a respectable three draws in three group games. It wasn’t enough to make the knockout stages, but they did go home from the World Cup unbeaten.

Tommy Smith: After Boro’

Smith returned to the Tractor Boys and, despite loan spells at Brentford and Colchester United, managed to carve out a successful career at Portman Road. In the end, he was there for another 10 years after leaving us; clocking up around 250 appearances. But all things must pass and, in 2018, the defender moved Stateside. He signed with Colorado Rapids; spending two seasons with Gary Smith‘s former club.

He returned to England in 2020. After initially training with former club Ipswich, he found himself at Sunderland on a short-term deal. It was incredibly bad timing, however. Covid-19 got stuck in and the season ended early. Once the 2019-20 campaign ended, Smith was released. He had been there just three months. Thankfully, former club Colchester United came in for him and took him back to Essex. It is, after all, the only way…