Smith moves to Weymouth

Ben Smith is moving to Weymouth according to the Official Shrewsbury Town website.

The former Hereford United man has decided to move south and join Garry Hill's Conference South squad.

The Shropshire Star has also reported the deal:

Enigmatic midfielder Ben Smith today ended his 18-month stint at Shrewsbury Town by agreeing a switch to Weymouth. The 27-year-old spurned late advances from his former club Hereford to pen a deal with the Conference South high-fliers.

A move away from Gay Meadow became inevitable for Smith once Gary Peters revealed he would not be offered an extension to his contract in May.

It's a frustrating conclusion to the midfielder's time in Shropshire, which started brightly with a string of bright performances and goals against Macclesfield and Northampton at the start of the last campaign.

But Smith's injury problems returned to haunt him when he dislocated his shoulder during the 3-2 LDV Vans Trophy victory over Bournemouth in September 2004.

He returned to full fitness at the start of this season but has failed to hold down a regular starting slot in his preferred central midfield position under Peters.

"I'm disappointed it has worked out like this because I enjoyed my time at Shrewsbury and loved living in the town," he said.

Gary Peters, the Shrewsbury manager, has also spoken about the transfer. He confirmed that the deal was finalised over the weekend.

"Ben's gone to join Weymouth and had got a good deal with them and that's one of the reasons I let him go early as it gives him a chance to get fixed up for next season.

"It was quite clear to him that I wasn't going to offer him a contract next season and rather than keep him around till the end of the season and him then go out there for 3/400 others trying to get fixed up he can do it now.

"Weymouth are doing well in the Conference South and have a great chance of going up and that gives Ben the chance of playing Conference football nest year.

"Hereford were interested in taking him but wanted to pay less on wages so he's chosen Weymouth."

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