Charlton Athletic boss explains why deal for Manchester City midfielder was a no-go

Lee Bowyer says it made no financial sense for Charlton Athletic to extend the loan of Matt Smith.

The Addicks announced at the end of last week that the Manchester City midfielder would not be extending his stay in SE7 to cover the final month of the campaign.

Smith signed for Charlton at the end of the January transfer window but made two just league appearances – both as a substitute.

When the campaign resumed the 20-year-old had a thigh injury.

“If things had gone well and we’d have been able to get him on the pitch then maybe he would’ve played the last two,” said Bowyer. “That’s if everything had gone well and if he’d caught up fitness wise.

“He probably wouldn’t have been match fit and available until the last two, at best.

“The club decided it was not worth their while to do that. It’s nothing against the lad, he was a great lad to work with.

“But financially to pay for someone that is not really going to be an option for us, it would be silly to do that.”

PHOTO BY PAUL EDWARDS