"If it's not players away on holiday, it's their agents or, in some cases, managers," Smith told the Daily Post.
"I've spoken to a couple of people I'm interested in signing, but it's the time of year when everyone plays their cards close to their chests and it means people like me have to be patient."
Speaking of the players he released, Smith said
"Jim has had a tough time, but hopefully the latest operation he's had will sort out his knee problem and he'll be back with us for pre-season training so he can get himself fit and find a club.
"Dean, who was exactly the sort of player I was looking for, picked up a lot of injuries during his two years with us and I don't think we ever saw quite what he is capable of.