Cobblers defender George Smith sold to Chesterfield in last-gasp deadline day deal

Cobblers defender George Smith has made a last-gasp transfer deadline day switch to Sky Bet League Two strugglers Chesterfield.
George Smith has left the Cobblers and signed for Chesterfield for an undisclosed feeGeorge Smith has left the Cobblers and signed for Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee
George Smith has left the Cobblers and signed for Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee

The former Barnsley left-back has joined the Spireites for an undisclosed fee, with the deal being finalised just minutes before the January transfer window closed at 11pm on Wednesday night.

Smith was signed last summer by then boss Justin Edinburgh, with the Cobblers paying non-League Gateshead an undisclosed fee for his services.

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“We were contacted late on deadline day by Chesterfield,” said Cobblers boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

“We weighed up the options and felt this was a good move for all parties.

“We have a lot of competition for places down the left hand side and some of the recent arrivals have added to our strength in that area.

“For George himself, it will give him the chance to play regular first team football and that will benefit him.

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“George has a fantastic attitude and we wish him well at his new club.”

Smith has been in and out of first team contention during his time at Sixfields, but he has seen his opportunities more limited in recent weeks.

Town’s transfer window signing of left-sided defenders Joe Bunney and Jordan Turnbull, as well as left winger Gboly Ariyibi, have seen him fall down the pecking order in the squad.

In all, Smith made eight starts and two substitute appearances for the Cobblers, with his most recent performance when he started in the 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic on New Year’s Day.

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He joins a Chesterfield side sitting third bottom in league two, just one point above the relegation zone. and has signed an 18-month deal.

The move is subject to ratification of the registration by the EFL.