Tommy Smith departs Sunderland after only three months

Sunderland have confirmed defender Tommy Smith is leaving the club after his short-term deal expired

Tommy Smith has left Sunderland following the expiry of his short-term contract on Wearside.

The New Zealand international defender joined the Black Cats in February as a free agent after Bailey Wright's injury left them short of cover, signing a deal that ran until the end of the season.

But the Covid-19 pandemic led to the season being suspended just 21 days after he signed for the Wearsiders.

And while he was included on the bench for the home games against Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood Town when he first arrived, he leaves without having made an appearance for the club.

Sunderland confirmed Smith's departure in a statement, adding: "Everyone at SAFC would like to wish Tommy the very best for the future."

Smith, 30, started his career at Ipswich Town and had loan spells at Stevenage Borough, Brentford, and Colchester United, while at Portman Road.

He made more than 250 appearances for the Tractor Boys before leaving and crossing the Atlantic to join MLS side Colorado Rapids in 2018.

He left Colorado in November, and trained with Ipswich to maintain his fitness.

There was interest in him from Championship club Wigan Athletic, and League One side Portsmouth, but he eventually signed for Sunderland on February 21.