Galway United has announced its latest signing with the addition of defender Joshua Smith, who is joining the Tribesmen from the Finn Harps.
The 27 year Louisiana native is making his second Irish home at Galway United after an impressive half season with the Premier Division Donegal club.
During his time with the Finn Harps Smith scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against Waterford FC in October.
Before coming to Ireland Smith acquired a wealth of international experience. He was recruited to Finn Harps from the German side SC Hessen Dreieich, but he began his career in the academy sides of Kaiserslautern and Karlsruher SC.
His first taste of senior football came at SC Idar-Oberstein, after which he returned to America to play for the University of San Francisco at the college level and then New England in Major League Soccer.
Smith said that he’s excited about playing for Galway in the coming year, adding that he fell in love with the city as soon as he stepped off the bus.
“I’m very grateful to Alan for bringing me into the club and trusting me. It was my goal to come into Finn Harps and help them stay in the Premier Division, I did that.”
“Now my goal is to help this club achieve its goals for next season. Alan has a great aura and energy about him. He’s very passionate about the club and about what he did with the youth last season.”
“He spoke about what he’s looking to do next season, so for me it was a no-brainer to jump in and give everything I have and hopefully we will achieve what we want together.”
“I’ll give everything I have. I’ll look to bring the experiences that I have from playing in the MLS, Germany and Ireland, and I’ll give it my best.”
Galway United Manager Alan Murphy said that he knew from the first night he saw Smith play that he wanted him on the squad.
“We’ve been to watch him individually or collectively a number of times and never failed to be impressed. Josh just ticks so many boxes that he immediately became a priority signing for us.”
“Defensively he’s physical and aggressive. In possession he’s comfortable, intelligent and progressive. At set pieces, Josh is dominant in both boxes and he’s got an excellent positional sense.”
“Above all however, he’s looked an obvious leader and organiser from the outset, which is such a rare quality nowadays. At 27, he is about to enter his prime years as a centre-back and I’ve no doubt he will be a massive part of what we are trying to create here.”
Smith makes for an extremely high calibre signing, Murphy said, bringing with him a wealth of experience from multiple countries.
