Widespread criticism from Swindon Town fans as loanee Matt Smith leaves club
Supporters were expecting him to stay at the County Ground for the rest of this season
Last updated 1st Feb 2021
Swindon Town fans have been sharing their dismay on social media, after it was confirmed Matt Smith has left the club.
In August, the 20-year-old joined The Robins on a season-long loan from Arsenal.
But his spell at the County Ground has now been cut short by Smith's parent club, with Mikel Arteta sending the midfielder on loan to Charlton Athletic for the remainder of the campaign.
Fellow League One outfit Charlton currently sit just outside the play-off places, with Town languishing in the relegation zone.
In a statement, The Robins said Arsenal had exercised the option to-recall the youngster from the loan deal.
"Everyone at Swindon Town would like to thank Matt for his efforts whilst playing for the Club and wish him the very best of luck for the future," it added.
Supporter backlash
Having made more appearances than anyone else for John Sheridan's side so far this season, supporters seemed surprised at the decision.
One Robins fan, Martin Crook, said Smith's departure "sums us up at the moment".
Other supporters blamed Town's hierarchy:
According to other Twitter-users, Smith was "the most passionate player on the pitch most of the time", "one of our best players if not our best" and an "unreal talent".
When contacted by Greatest Hits Radio, Swindon Town declined to respond to the comments.