Smith said; “We had a number of chats and started negotiating a new deal with him many months ago.
“We, as a club did everything possible to keep will at the Banks's Stadium. We offered him a four-year contract; the best contract we have ever offered to a player in League One.
“I feel his agent hasn't done him justice by getting him a move to a league higher such as the Championship but life moves on and we will replace Will."
“I would like to wish Will all the best but, as he’s moved to a club at our level, in League One, I can’t at this moment in time."