He may have only been a Wimbledon player for just under six months, but in his short time in South London, Michael Smith really made his mark.
Signed on loan from Charlton Athletic by Neal Ardley as the main man to lead the line in the 2013/14, the Wallsend-born striker hailed from the famous Boys Club – the very same talent factory that produced household names such as Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley.
His performances there and for Darlington at senior level saw the Addicks bring him to the capital, where he would continue to develop into a player that has since flourished in the Football League for the likes of Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday, scoring 84 goals.
During his stint with the Dons, Michael netted nine league goals, featuring some stylish finishes that weren’t usually associated with a player that many lazily branded as a ‘target man’.
Watch a selection of Michael Smith’s league goals for the Dons – as he finished as our top goalscorer in 2013/14 – below!
His impact was vital for Ardley’s side, but alas, as has been the theme over many years, his form caught the attentions of clubs elsewhere, meaning a bidding war was on the horizon in the January window of that season.
Lo and behold the recall clause was activated, seeing Michael return to the Valley immediately as the number nine shirt was left vacant again at Kingsmeadow. The striker would go on to sign for Swindon Town for an undisclosed fee, however he was left feeling frustrated at the manner of his departure from Wimbledon.
““I am a bit disappointed to bow out,” he said. “The fans here have been outstanding all season. They have followed us wherever we have gone and the fans are a massive plus. They just need to keep getting behind the lads like they have all season. I wish to thank them for all the positive messages. Every fan I have met has had something nice to say to me. It’s such a fan-orientated club.
“The loan spell could not have gone better really. My game has come on in leaps and bounds. The coaching staff have been different class for me and I would definitely not rule it out (coming back). We have massively underachieved and we should be much higher in the table. I think there will be a turning point though and the boys will kick on.”
