Smith and Pahars secure deals

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Paul Smith has left Saints for Nottingham Forest whilst Marian Pahars will ply his trade in the warmer climes of Famagusta of Cyprus .

The 26-year-old keeper agreed a three-year deal with the League One club this afternoon and, though the exact fee is not yet known, it is believed to be most of the £500,000 Saints paid Brentford for him in 2004.

Smith joined Saints with a fantastic reputation having made over 100 appearances for Brentford as a young keeper but found his chances limited first because of Antti Niemi and then, after Niemi had been sold, he was twice dropped, first for Bartosz Bialkowsi and then Kevin Miller.

Marian Pahars has decided to quit English football.

The Latvian international has been considering his options since leaving Saints earlier this summer.

Now the 29-year-old has accepted an offer from Cypriot outfit Anorthosis Famagusta.

Pahars, who had a number of offers to remain in England, has penned a three-year deal with the club.

Famagusta are managed by former Newcastle star Temuri Ketsbaia.