Pastures new for Connor Smith as Gills come calling

Delvin man and Watford midfielder Connor Smith is on the move, joining another high-profile manager by signing for SkyBet League 1 side Gillingham on loan for the remainder of the English football season.

Smith, who worked under former Italian international and Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola at Watford, will link up with ex-England manager Peter Taylor at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium.

Gillingham were alerted to Smith's talents as an attacking midfielder, when he scored against them Watford in a pre-season friendly.

Republic of Ireland U21 international Smith (20) made his first senior debut for Watford in August 2012, and was part of the club's first-team squad which narrowly missed out on promotion to the Barclays Premier League last year.

He has made 12 appearances in all for the Hornets, and always enjoyed a good working relationship with Zola, who resigned as Watford boss in December.

The deal with Gillingham is Smith's second time to be loaned out by Watford. In 2011, he joined Isthmian League side Wealdstone, helping them to an FA Trophy semi-final and the Isthmian League Premier Division playoffs.

Mullingar Athletic alumnus Smith will eligible to make his debut for the Gills against Colchester this Saturday.

 

Paul Hughes