Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith has said he never thought of leaving Wednesday after an ‘honest conversation’ with manager Xisco Munoz, amid interest from Derby County.
It had been reported in the summer that Derby were looking to bring Smith in, reuniting him with manager Paul after they worked together at Rotherham United.
However, after speaking to his manager Munoz, Smith said he had no intention of leaving Hillsborough.
“I’d had an honest conversation early on in the window and he [Xisco] said he wanted me here and saw me in his plans,” Smith told the Sheffield Star.
“That shut down anything, especially in my head, to suggest I’d be moving on.
“I was desperate to stay here, getting promoted with the club I was desperate to give the Championship another crack and do it with Wednesday.
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“These conversations need to be had on both sides. It’s nice to get an understanding of how you fit into a manager’s plans and his view on things. You can be honest with him about where you’re struggling and where you might need extra help.
“Obviously it was a big turnaround with the previous manager leaving and a new manager coming in.
“It’s good to have these conversations.”
Michael Smith on Derby link
Speaking on Derby’s interest, Smith said he understands why he had been linked, but never really thought he was ever going to leave the Owls.
Derby ended up signing Arsenal striker Tyreece John-Jules on loan instead, after they were also linked with Peterborough striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.
“With one of my previous managers being at the club and having worked with him before, I think the link was always going to be there,” he said on Derby’s interest.
“It’s one of those things as a footballer, every window comes around and you could be gone or you could be staying, it’s just one of those things.”