After long consideration and several meetings this week, Brisbane Roar Football Club today agreed to a request from its captain Matt Smith for a transfer to Thai first division club Bangkok Glass.
The 32-year-old central defender, who has made 112 Hyundai A-League appearances for the Roar, asked to be released earlier this week despite having another 18 months on his contract.
The club overnight received a formal offer from Bangkok Glass and today agreed to terms to release Smith for an undisclosed transfer fee. Â
The release is effective from Sunday, 15 December, allowing Smith to travel with the Roar for their Hyundai A-League game against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Brisbane Roar Football Director Ken Stead said the decision to release Smith was reached after deep consideration by the club and was made mindful of the service and leadership Smith had given the Roar.
“We didn’t want to lose our captain and we are sorry to see Matt leave,’’ Stead said.
“But we can understand that as this stage of his career he has made a decision he believes is in the best interest of his playing future and his family.
“It is a significant loss, but it creates an opportunity for another player in the squad while the January transfer window is a timely opportunity for the club to strengthen our squad for the challenges ahead.’’
English-born Smith joined the Roar ahead of the 2010/11 season and was named captain of the club in August 2012.
He has been a part of the Roar’s three Hyundai A-League Grand Final wins (2011, 2012 and 2014) and two Premiers’ Plate (2010/11 and 2013/14).
