Rams poach striker Smith

Derby County have poached Tommy Smith from Sunderland AFC and have given him a three year contract.

The 24 year old was considering his options at the Stadium of Light and was rumoured to be buying a property in the Durham area, and news of his switch to Derby comes as a shock to Sunderland supporters, many of whom had hoped the striker would stay.

Smith passed a medical this morning and was revealed as a Derby player at a press conference this afternoon.

The player said, "I've heard George (Burley) say I have unfulfilled potential and yes, I'd agree with that.

"Every footballer wants to play in the top league and this is a Premiership set up, so we have to do as well as we can next season and see where it takes us."

There had been a break in contract talks between Smith and Sunderland, which enabled Derby to pounce and complete the deal quickly.

Tommy said, "It was a tough choice because both Derby and Sunderland are fabulous clubs. I gave a lot of consideration to the offer and Derby just pipped it."