Wednesday 11 July 2012 16:47, UK
Notts County's desire to reach the Championship was the reason behind Manny Smith joining the Meadow Lane club.
Smith decided to turn down the offer of a new contract at Walsall in favour of making the switch to the Magpies, signing a two-year deal with Keith Curle's side. The powerful centre-back had a number of sides lining up to secure his signature but the 23-year-old felt County were the team for him. "I'm very pleased to be here, it's a big club that's very ambitious," Smith told the club's official website. "There were a few options for me in the summer but the gaffer here showed great interest in me. I met and sat down with him a few times and he was very keen on me and taking the club forward. "The club's very ambitious, there's a good stadium and good crowds, good players and the team finished just below the play-offs last season. I think next season we can kick on and get higher."