'Go on my son'

The Town midfielder's dad/agent is far from happy with the way the club have dealt with the question of the player's future.

He says six other clubs have now contacted him, all keen to snap up the 25-year-old.

Smith senior, who will be forever remembered for his late chance to win the FA Cup for Brighton in the 1983 final, is busy trying to sort out his son's future employment.

He said: "I feel there's been a lot of misinformation about Grant's situation.

"This talk of an extra year was not mentioned initially.

"I have now spoken to Sandy Gray at Swindon Town but it was a question of something 'might' be possible in terms of the extra year, nothing more."

Smith senior said he had not spoken to Andy King about the situation.

Dad appreciates that his son's sense of loyalty to the fans who stuck by him through thick and thin is a powerful factor in deciding whether to stay put but that alone shouldn't be the reason to stay.

He said: "The one positive to come out of all this is the support of the fans.

"The fans don't pick the team though."

The player's agent said every single offer on the table from other interested parties was at least two years.

He also confirmed that Bristol City were one of those in the market for his son, although no deal has been struck with any club at this stage.

Smith himself is leaving matters firmly in the hands of his father from now on and will allow events to take their course.

He has until mid June to make a formal response to Town's contract offer.

Town's board has made it clear they are committed to seeing Smith stay.

Another midfielder who does not know where he will be next season is Brian Howard.

Bournemouth were thought to be favourites for his signature but Barnsley have now entered the race to sign him.

Howard said: "There has been some more interest and yes, Barnsley are one of the clubs involved.

"I'm hoping things can be sorted out future-wise in the next five to six days."