Wrexham splashed the cash to sign Sam Smith in January as Phil Parkinson raided former club Reading in a big-money move.
Wrexham came into the January transfer window aiming to bolster Phil Parkinson’s attacking options.
New strikers were the priority and after Wrexham snapped up Ryan Longman, the attention turned to centre forwards.
Parkinson landed two on the same day as Wrexham signed Sam Smith from Reading before Jay Rodriguez said goodbye to Burnley.
Wrexham’s club-record was broken on Smith with the striker arriving in a seven-figure deal.
Smith celebrated a first Wrexham goal against Northampton Town but that remains his only strike in a Wrexham shirt.
Sam Smith on Wrexham transfer
Smith said an emotional farewell to Reading with the Royals going through all manner of problems off the field.
Reading reluctantly sold Smith to Wrexham, noting that the deal was simply too good to turn down.
Smith enjoyed two spells at Reading and departed for Wrexham as a proven League One goalscorer.
We have no doubt that the goals will start to flow for Smith very soon and Reading fans will be fearful.
Wrexham travel to take on Reading next Tuesday with Smith likely to lead the line as things stand.
Smith has now spoken to Sky Sports about his move and admitted that other clubs wanted to sign him.
Smith was somewhat prepared to leave Reading as the transfer window opened, knowing that the club may need to cash in.
Wrexham were the only club to meet the asking price though and that paved the way fro Smith to complete his move.
“Yeah, I knew there was a few teams interested, it was just whether someone could pay what Reading wanted and obviously Wrexham were the ones that did,” said Smith.
“So yeah, I think everyone was slightly prepared to leave but with the ownership there, no-one really knew what was going on,” he added.
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Sam Smith had European interest
Smith didn’t name any of the other clubs who wanted to sign him.
However, reports in January suggested that Smith received European interest before deciding on a move to Wrexham.
That just goes to show how much faith Smith has in this Wrexham project, turning down a potentially fascinating move to the continent.
Wrexham landed a real coup in Smith and there have been enough promising signs to suggest that he will make a big impact.
Many will be predicting goals for Smith at Reading next week but he must focus on Rotherham United first with the Millers arriving at the STōK Cae Ras this weekend.