Smith seals Hornets return

12 April 2012

Watford have clinched the signing of their former player Tommy Smith on a four-year deal from Derby.

The 26-year-old winger, who began his career as a trainee at Vicarage Road in 1997, is believed to have moved for a fee in the region of £500,000.

Hornets manager Adrian Boothroyd was keen to bring in a winger and a forward before the transfer window closes on Thursday, and Smith can play on either flank, as well as alongside a target man in attack.

The current break for Euro 2008 qualifiers means Smith will have to wait to make the first appearance of his second Watford spell in the Barclays Premiership clash at Bolton on September 9.

Smith made 167 appearances in six seasons during his first spell at the club before he joined Sunderland on a Bosman free transfer in September 2003.

One year later, Smith moved to Derby and helped the Rams reach the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs in 2005, when they were beaten at the semi-final stage by Preston.

Boothroyd has also been linked with a £1million move for Sheffield United striker Ade Akinbiyi, but dismissed the reports.

He told PA Sport: "There is nothing in it. Ade has played against us a few times, and done well on some occasions but I will not be looking to bring him here."

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