Tommy Smith has announced his retirement from football.

The full-back made 353 appearances throughout his career, with 47 coming in a Boro shirt.

Tommy ruptured his Achilles in October 2023 and has been unable to play for Boro since. He is set to continue his rehab at the club.

Everyone at MFC would like to thank Tommy for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best in the next chapter.

Below is a message from Tommy.

When something comes to an end, naturally I think it’s normal to look back and try to reflect.

When I ruptured my Achilles on 23 October 2023 I had full belief and confidence that I would come back fitter and stronger than I was before. Unfortunately, after 15 months of extensive rehab and on the back of some really tough conversations with the medical team at Middlesbrough, along with the best foot and ankle consultant in the UK, I have now decided to retire from professional football.

To even think about not playing the sport that I have only ever done for pretty much my whole life is something that has been incredibly difficult to take. Together with the staff at Middlesbrough, we’ve worked tirelessly to try to get my body to the level it needs to be at, but ultimately I’ve not progressed as we planned and I feel it’s important now for me to close this wonderful chapter of my life and look forward to what is next.

The journey of being a football player is like no other. Ever since I was a boy it’s all I ever wanted to do. Looking back on my 15 years as a professional, it fills me with enormous pride and while it’s very emotional coming to terms with this decision, I can’t help but smile at the outcome, the amazing people I’ve met, the special memories I’ve made and everything I’ve achieved in the game.

I’ve come a long way since being a little boy with big dreams, from starting out at Manchester City from age 11-20, to then spending seven years at Huddersfield, two of which playing in the greatest league in the world, the Premier League, a further three years at Stoke and finally three years at Middlesbrough. In total I made 353 career appearances and I could not have wished for four better football clubs to be part of my footballing journey. I’m eternally grateful for the love and support from everyone connected to all four.

To the club owners I’ve played for, the managers and coaches I’ve played under, all the players I’ve played alongside and to all the fans who’ve supported myself and the teams I’ve represented over the years through thick and thin. Thank you all.

Given the success both individually and collectively during my time at Huddersfield, I must say I feel totally indebted to two people in particular who I don’t think I will ever be able to thank enough, Dean Hoyle and David Wagner. You both changed my life. To be able to lead Huddersfield out at Wembley in front of 80,000 people to contest a play-off final is without doubt one of the best moments of not only my football career, but my entire life. Closely followed by becoming club captain of Huddersfield and making my Premier League debut against Crystal Palace back in 2017. These are moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.

To everybody at Middlesbrough. Firstly the physios, doctors and coaching staff for your relentless support and efforts to help me during this injury. To every other single member of staff that I have the pleasure of working with and seeing on a daily basis, who make it a work place you enjoy being a part of and who have continued to be positive and supportive towards me every single day during this tough period. You’ve all no idea how much I appreciate you.

A special mention must go to the Chairman Steve Gibson, Neil Bauser, Kieran Scott and Michael Carrick for their continued understanding, support, patience and backing throughout this whole process.

And to all of the players in the changing room who I admire and respect enormously. I have huge faith and belief in you all as players and people to go on and achieve what you want to moving forward.

Thank you all.

A big thank you must go to everyone at New Era, who have looked after me for the last 10 years. Most notably my agent Pete Smith, who I trust implicitly and I now class as one of my best friends.

And finally, my family and close friends. Absolutely none of this would have been possible without your love and unwavering support.

To my parents and to my brother. Your sacrifice and love from the day I could walk and kick a football eventually made my dreams become a reality. Thank you will never be enough. I truly hope I’ve made you proud.

Lastly, to my wonderful wife Charlotte, who has been with me every single step of the way since my first game as a professional to my last. Through all the good and the bad, the ups and the downs. I couldn’t have dreamt of a better person to share this journey with or a better mother to have to our two beautiful girls. Everything I have done and will continue to do is for the three of you. I love you all dearly.

Thank you
Tommy x