Smith joins us. Ben Gibson is struggling with a back injury, so is doubtful. Billy Gilmour has headed back to Chelsea for an assessment on his ankle. Smith hoping both will feature on Sunday but it’s a case of wait and see at the moment.
‘Not true’. Dean Smith on the reports linking
#NCFC with
#WBA defender Cedric Kipre.
Smith describes recent incidents with supporters coming onto football pitches as ‘concerning’. He doesn’t want to see riot police deployed and doesn’t blame stewards, who he points out are low paid, for not putting themselves in the line of fire. DS: 'Listen I am a football fan. Enjoy your team. But don't take it a step too far.' We have missed fans in the past two seasons. But anyone doing that? Give your heads a wobble. We need to speak to fan groups and look to self police. You have stewards but look at the amount of people going on the park. Why should they put themselves in danger.'
Smith says plenty of plans are in place for next season, that will continue in the days and weeks ahead. He is hoping to get a few rounds of golf in, go away for a brief holiday and go to watch his son play in the US.
DS on Pukki. 'We took up that contract option recently. He is really important to us moving forward. I don't envisage that changing this summer.'
We’re aware of the threats of Kane and Son. Son is one of the best at making deep runs into space behind you. “Kane is an unbelievable finisher who can play as a 9 or a 10. Our players have to be ready for it.”
Smith wants to have a look at Danel Sinani when he reports back for pre-season this summer. He’s enjoyed seeing Hugill, McCallum, Mumba etc. Smith does confirm Huddersfield still have an option on Sinani.
Dean Smith confirms that
#AFCB haven’t taken up their option on Todd Cantwell. He will return to
#NCFC for pre-season training.
Mathias Normann has trained and is fit for Sunday’s game. Andrew Omobamidele and Adam Idah are both expected to return to training in the second week of pre-season.
Smith doesn’t believe
#NCFC will have to sell players before buying this summer. He has been told there are funds available to strengthen.
DS on that 1-2-1 squad audit he revealed last week. 'I had 14 meetings yesterday. Another 10 today. I am very busy. But I enjoy them. Players are away straight after this game. Back for testing June 14.'
