AFTER completing his move to Portsmouth at the end of last month, www.watfordfc.com spoke to Tommy Smith this week so the player could say his final goodbyes to the Vicarage Road faithful.

Smith sealed a move to Pompey and started for Paul Hart's side in their game against big-spending Manchester City last weekend.

Smith said: "I would like to thank the supporters, I wished some things hadn't happened at the end of my first spell but sometimes things happen like that and I'm just grateful that I had the opportunity for a second chance with Watford.

"I wanted to make sure I proved to the supporters that I was a better player and I've been touched by the messages that myself and my family have received since I left.

"They've been flattering and I'm really chuffed with them."

Smith celebrates with teammates earlier this season

Speculation about the 29-year-old and his future with the Hornets continued for the whole summer, but despite this Smith returned to pre-season training with the 'Orns and was a model professional according to boss Malky Mackay.

The former Derby player was even happier that he signed off from Watford with two superb performances against Nottingham Forest and Blackpool.

"I'm glad I got those goals to help steady the side and we got that great win at Forest" added Smith.

"I didn't want to leave on a flat note, so I'm glad to have played my part."

Smith was instrumental in the fantastic 4-2 win at The City Ground, having a hand in the goals and finding the net himself, he then was on top-form to sign-off at Vicarage Road as he again scored in the draw against Ian Holloway's Blackpool.

Smith took time out to speak to www.watfordfc.com and looks back to when he rejoined the Golden Boys in late August 2006 and made his second debut against Bolton Wanderers.

Smith on Forest goal: "I didn't want to leave on a flat note, so I'm glad to have played my part"

Smith commented: "As for coming back I probably didn't think I would return to be honest, I left under a bit of a cloud the first time and I never thought it would happen.

"People didn't understand what had gone on but when the opportunity came up I jumped at the chance.

"The Club had changed massively in the few years I'd been away, the professionalism around the place was something that showed straight away and has continued to this day.

"Under Aidy [Boothroyd] the Club had taken steps forward, the Club hadn't been in a great position when I left but everything was stronger when I came back. There were lots of things that had improved such as the staff and the way you were looked after."

Smith eventually departed WD18 almost three years to the day after he joined, but he certainly has some fond memories and highlights.

"I have lots of highlights during my time back at Watford" said the attacker.

"The FA Cup final run and reaching the semi final to play Manchester United was amazing.

"On a personal level winning back-to-back Player of the Season awards showed how far I had come as a player and it's an honour that people voted for me not just for one season but two.

Smith: "I've made lots of friends during my time back at Watford"

"The big thing after I left the first time was that I wanted to work on my consistency, that was my biggest criticism of myself because I could easily drift in and out of games.

"But I played regularly while I was away and everything started to come together at Derby.

"I won the Player of the Season award there [in 2005/06] - again it was a massive honour and gave me a massive boost.

"So I came to Watford on a high and kept injury free and kept on trying to improve.

"Keeping away from injuries was so important and again that's one of the little things you notice as a player behind the scenes.

"The set-up is very good at Watford; in fact it was a real eye-opener coming back.

The former Hornet celebrates a goal last season with fellow ex-Watford player Jobi McAnuff

"For a player, injury prevention is a big thing and the staff at Watford were always very good at that.

"Andy Rolls [former Head of Medical], Richard Collinge [current Head of Medical] and all the rest of the medical staff and coaches were extremely professional and knowledgeable.

"So for example you would go into the gym before heading out to the training pitch. There you do a warm-up or work on your hips or any particular area that needs strengthening - it doesn't sound a lot but all these things help - you work on your weaknesses and all these little things add up.

"The analysis of games had improved as well and was more thorough and we would go through things as a group and watch DVDs of a game."

Smith's performances during 2007/08 and 2008/09 earnt him back-to-back Player of the Season awards and his success in front of goal improved during his second spell with the 'Orns.

Playing largely as a wide man, he netted three times in the Premiership season during 2006/07.

Smith continued to improve with seven goals in 2007/08 and finished with a terrific tally of 17 last campaign.

Smith: "I have lots of highlights during my time back at Watford"

Injury to skipper Jay DeMerit meant Smith took over as captain on a number of occasions last season and it was an experience he took pride in and relished.

"Being captain last season was great when Jay was out of the side" said Smith.

"Football is weird as suddenly you can find yourself a senior pro in a young squad and that happened at Watford.

"I had experience after being away and I felt comfortable in that role.

"Myself, along with the other senior pros try to help the youngsters as much as possible.

"It may just be a case of spotting something in training and having a chat with them afterwards - it definitely helps and means a lot to them, it can help their progress and you learn to respect one another then.

"I've made lots of friends during my time back at Watford and not just those on the playing side - that's why it was so hard for me to leave."

Smith receives the Player of the Year for the second time last season

Smith will no doubt be keeping up with affairs in WD18 as Mackay looks to rebuild his squad.

The double-wining Player of the Season commented: "I've played with Malky, seen him as a coach and been a player under him so I loved working with him.

"It's not going to be easy and they have to replace some experience, but Malky's a shrewd guy and he's got some good loanees in and I'm sure that will improve things.

"The team got a great result against Swansea and I spoke to a few of the lads afterwards. It shows how far the club has come to lose players and still get a result there.

"It also showed the Club has got a lot of good young players, I don't think they'll be looking down - I'm confident that the young players can progress."

Smith is now looking forward to life in the top flight again

As for the future, Smith is currently settling into life on the south coast and getting used to a new squad at Fratton Park.

"Initially its going to be a battle" added Smith, "but there's some good players here and I would like to become an established player in an established side.

"When you've played for so long in the Championship you're delighted that a club takes a chance on you and I want to make the most of that."

Watford Chairman Jimmy Russo wished Smith all the best and added: "The way he conducted himself was a credit to Tommy. He's a real professional; well-mannered and respectful.

"We appreciate that at Watford and are grateful for his contribution over the last few years.

"The opportunity arose for Tommy with Portsmouth and we didn't want to stand in his way."

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