Smolarek Set For Greece Switch

[Manny]

Can't say I'm surprised really. He was never going to stay here next season.

Ebi Smolarek looks destined to leave Bolton in the summer after agreeing a move to Greek side Aris Thessaloniki.

The 28-year-old, who is on loan from Racing Santander, has made just twelve appearances this season, starting just one and scoring one goal.

It has looked likely that he will leave the Reebok in the summer for quite some time and his likely destination now looks to be Greece.

His contract at Santander expires in the summer and it is understood that the Poland international has agreed a pre-contract with Aris.

http://www.burndenaces.co.uk/news/?id=957

[CraigBwfc]

A shame really. I guess for Megson, Ebi's face just didn't fit!

Never mind, I hope Ebi has a better time at Aris!

[Sluffy]

Just a thought - if he is such a good player - and Megson failed to realise it - then out of all the clubs in the English, German, Spanish or Italian leagues - why as he signed for a Greek club who could only manage sixth in their league of sixteen clubs?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/greece_results/tables/default.stm

Good luck to him anyway.

[Manny]

I've liked what we've seen of him this season, but he never really had any end product. He seemed to have it in his international games and for the reserves though.

He was never going to get into our side though, you could see that before Christmas. Good luck to him wherever he goes.

[Sluffy]

This link suggests that Smolarek as had an attitude problem for the last few seasons - maybe that is why no one as come in for a player who is out of contract in a few weeks and would cost nothing (but wages of course).

Maybe why he's done nothing with us or Racing Santander in recent years and on his way to a nothing Greek club even though he's still only 28 years old?

http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=1963

[BoltonMad2oo8]

He never really got a chance but IMO he was crap!

Might have been decent on the continent like Riga, Big Mak etc but the PL is a completely different kettle of fish and some make it but others don't - and he didn't, but that is just football!

[kramsharp]

To be honest, i would have liked to have seen some more of him. He cant be all that bad and scores for Poland, and Poland are not a bad national side. as i think of all non uk players brought in the majotrity need a good season of regular football to settle into the premiership and he just didnt get the chance.

look at Elmander hardly set the world on fire has he? but i suspect he will come good next season.

Riga is another one i would have liked to see more of, I suspect he would be a good squad player if given the time.