Newport County have today announced the signing of Matt Smith from St. Johnstone, who were recently relegated from the Scottish Premiership.
Many Clubs Before
Smith, who has had spells with Milton Keynes Dons, Charlton Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Hull City, FC Twente and Doncaster Rovers, is a former Manchester City academy graduate and will now join County as their first signing of the summer window.
The 25-year-old has played 60 games for the Scottish side, scoring just one goal but providing five assists during that period. With a few loan spells in the Championship from City as well, the former Wales international has now joined League Two side, Newport.
Newport’s departures of Aaron Wildig as well as Noah Mawene and Jamie Miley’s loan expirations will leave a large gap in the League Two side’s central midfield ranks.
Smith’s First Words
County have acquired an experience midfielder who is reportedly excited for a new chapter in his career according to Smith’s interview with the Welsh club’s media team:
“I want to be a big part of this team and help Newport push up the league and finish as strongly as possible. It’s got a fantastic fanbase. I’ve always admired the club from afar, especially with the Welsh connection, and I’ve seen the passion the fans bring.
“I’m hungry to be a Newport County player and I’m really excited about what’s ahead. I know the fans will get behind me and the team, and I can’t wait to get going.”
With Smith’s prior conversations with Newport’s head coach, David Hughes, the 25-year-old is looking to impress his new manager as a star player in the fourth division:
“I’ve worked with the manager before, so we already have that connection. We had a really good conversation, and he knows who I am, what I can bring, and the type of person I am. For me, it was a no-brainer. I’m really excited to be part of it.”
On his abundance on clubs prior to this deal, Smith said this:
“I’m delighted to be here, it’s something that’s been in the pipeline over the last week or so and, as soon as I heard about it, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m really excited for the future.
“I’ve been fortunate to experience different cultures, different teams, and different systems, which have definitely helped shape me as a player. I’ve learnt from both the positive and challenging moments and used them to grow stronger.”
Writer’s View
This is an exceptionally ambitious move for Newport, with fans of the Welsh side taking to X to express their amazement at the deal being announced.
Smith will be in the upper-echelon of players in League Two and will also improve the midfield department drastically with his creativity, stamina and leadership qualities.
Newport, with this unveiling, could place themselves as real contenders for play-offs if this kind of business continues.
