Amsterdam born Smeekes had been around Holland playing for Flevo Boys and SC Heerenveen as a kid before joining Stormvogels Telstar in 2002.
The 28 year old then moved on to FC Voldendam, Top Oss, Helmond Sport and Go Ahead Eagles before switching over to Germany to play for Stuttgart Kickers and from 2009, once mighty East German side Carl Zeiss Jena for whom he scored 17 goals in 35 appearances.
Agents offer managers players all the time and City boss Aidy Boothroyd was even contacted on holiday by agents offering players.