Smtih faces heartbreak as bad news is confirmed

By Nathan Jackson
January 29 2004

City's midfielder Paul Smith is being forced to retire after suffering extensive damage to his back during last season's playoff final. Smith spent 7 years with the Imps although only played for 5 of those due to problems with his back.

Paul Smith's nightmare is now a reality as he is being forced to retire from the game. Smith felt twinges in his back during the playoff final and went to see a specialist, he went to see specialists in September and had an operation in October. Unfortunatly, it hasn't worked out and has been left with permanent nerve damage.

Smith was 28 last Sunday but this is the worst kind of birthday present anyone could possibly hope for.

Similar injuries happened 2 years ago when he missed most of the 2001/2 season but did eventually return after an operation.

Smith joined City in 1997/8 season and helped the squad earn promotion to Division 2.

We here at theimps.tk would like to wish Smith good luck for the rest of his life and hopes he is able to find a new career that he enjoyed as much as football.