Bognor striker Smith joins Eastleigh - but clubs clash over fee

Dan Smith on the charge against Cray / Picture: Tommy McMillan

He has been unveiled as a Spitfires player this evening - although a tribunal will need to rule how much compensation is due to the Rocks for the transfer.

We first revealed back in May that Smith was poised to make the switch to the Hampshire side, which comes after two seasons in which he has been a big hit at Bognor.

Bognor have said the move highlights the opportunities for young players to continue their football development at Nyewood Lane but it is a disappointment to fans who had hoped the leading scorer from the season would stay.

Smith, who is 20, made a permanent move to the Rocks last summer after a loan spell at Cork City following his release by Pompey.

Smith scored 25 times for the Rocks in the Isthmian Premier Division before the Covid-19 pandemic saw the season prematurely scrapped. Smith had already attended training sessions with Eastleigh last term to sharpen his fitness, with the Rocks' blessing.

When Smith's move to Eastleigh was first unveiled, Bognor coach Robbie Blake said: "Players who come to Bognor should know that they can continue to develop their football education in a team that plays an expansive game on a fantastic pitch with brilliant amenities. The players who will look at Dan's progression will see how much they can add to their game by joining us."

Bognor have secured another ex-Pompey forward on a permanent deal, Brad Lethbridge having signed after his release from Fratton. The teenager joins keeper Amadou Tangara and brothers Ashton and Tommy Leigh in committing to the Nye Camp for 2020-21. Talks are continuing with other members of last season's squad, with the Rocks planning to resume pre-season training on August 3.

The compensation fee which the clubs have not been able to agree on is due because Smith is under 24 and Bognor had offered him terms for next season no worse than those he was already on.