MIDFIELDER Tom Smith has taken to social media to thank the fans for their support after he was released by Swindon Town.

The 20-year-old, who has been at the club since he was eight years old, made his debut for the first team back in 2015, when he came on as a substitute in Swindon’s 3-0 defeat to Preston North End.

The youngster was unable to establish himself as a first-team regular and was most recently shipped out to non-league Bath City by former boss David Flitcroft this season.

During his time in the National League South, Smith produced some impressive displays which saw him notch 10 goals from a midfield berth.

Yet despite many supporters clamouring for his performances to be rewarded with a new contract, it was revealed that Smith was being released alongside goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook, attacker Donal McDermott, defender Ben Purkiss and young midfielder Tommy Ouldridge this morning.

After learning his fate, Smith released a short statement, in which he thanked the staff and fans for their support over his stay at the Energy Check County Ground.

“My 12 years at Swindon Town has come to an end today,” he said.

“I want to take this time to thank everyone at the club who has helped me through the system and make the step into the first team.

“Secondly, I want to thank all the fans for their support throughout my time here.

“I’ve made a number of good memories over the years and I appreciate the chances I was given.

“Now it’s time to move on and prove people wrong once again. As one door closes another one opens.”

Town have confirmed that fellow youngster Jordan Young is still contracted at the club,his name having inadvertently been left off the retained list when it was first released this morning.