Independent vote for Watford's Smithy

Speculation over the future of Watford`s Tommy Smith might have died down a bit since the transfer window opened but it could be given the kiss of life after Smudger was named in a list of the "Best 20 Players outside of the Premier League".

Smith - who had previously been linked to Stoke and Reading - ran in 14th in the 4th annual survey of lower league talent, announced in Friday`s edition of the Independent newspaper.

At 28, Tommy is the by far and away the oldest player in the Top 20, headed up by Wolve`s Michael Kightly and Stephen Hunt of Reading, but let`s face it Smudger is getting better with age!!!

More of a concern mind though is the ridiculously low price tag slapped on Smithy`s head. Smudger is reckoned to be the cheapest player making the grade at a mere £1m - in a list is littered with overpriced bounties such as Cardiff`s Joe Ledley (£7m) and Wolves hitman Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (£4m).

Someone`s having a laugh. The Watford board will surely be looking for £2.5m+ for our star winger (the gaffer wants £3m) should we have to sell.

Still, it`s good to get recognition.



he Independent`s list of the Top 20 best player outside the Premier League in full is:

1- Michael Kightly (Wolves); 2- Stephen Hunt (Reading); 3- Joe Ledley (Cardiff); 4- Kevin Doyle (Reading); 5- Chris Eagles (Burnley); 6-Ferrie Bodde (Swansea); 7- Daniel Fox (Cov); 8- Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves); 9- Matt Jarvis (Wolves); 10- James McFadden (Brum); 11- Ben Watson (Palace); 12- Ross McCormack (Cardiff); 13- Liam Rosenior (Reading); 14- TOMMY SMITH (WATFORD); 15- Wayne Hennessey (Wolves); 16- Lewis McGugan (Forest); 17- Kevin Foley (Wolves); 18- Kyle Naughton (Blades); 19- Owen Garvan (Ipswich); 20- Jimmy Kebe (Reading)

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