Smith Stalling On New Deal

Last updated : 03 October 2006 By Stand Free Ed

JAMIE SMITH could refuse the Dons offer of a new contract and join Kevin McNaughton in the English Championship, according to Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood.

25-year-old Smith, currently recovering from a hip operation, will see his contract expire at the end of the season and the club is desperate to tie him down to a new deal.

Talks have been ongoing since summer and further discussions are scheduled for this week. The winger had a terrific first season with the Dons, weighing in with a number of vital and spectacular goals.

Calderwood told the Aberdeen Press & Journal: "As a manager in Scotland, losing a player to England is a worry. We had it with Kevin last year and we have it again now with Jamie Smith.

"We have done everything we can to keep him here but he hasn't signed yet. His agent is meeting the club again this week but there is only so far we can go, and we have to hope Jamie will decide he is settled and happy here."

Fans' favourite Smith has repeatedly said he and his family have settled in the North-East, and the Aberdeen support will be hoping that this will be enough to see off the lure of bigger money in England.