Keeper keen to learn from teammate after signing for Bards
NEW Stratford Town keeper Callum Smith admitted it was a ‘no brainer’ signing for the Bards and linking up with experienced shotstopper Liam O’Brien.
The 21-year-old signed for the club ahead of their 2-1 victory over Stamford on Saturday and went straight into the side with former Coventry City and Dagenham & Redbridge keeper O’Brien dropping to the bench.
He said: “Liam has had a great career having played loads of games and I’m looking to learn from him because I’m still young. Hopefully I can be a little bit of a sponge and learn loads. Coming in at this point in the season is tough but everyone has welcomed me in.”
Smith started the season at Southern League Premier South rivals Leamington before dropping down a division to join Boldmere St Michaels.
He added: “I played against Stratford for Leamington when we drew 2-2 and I did all right. I then went to Boldmere but when the seven days came in I said yes because I wanted to get back to this level. I knew people who had been at the club and they said how good it was so it was an easy decision. Now we just need to kick-on and get into the play-offs.
“They tried to keep me at Boldmere but it was a no brainer having the chance to go back up a level. My ambition was always to get back as soon as I could and the crowd today (against Stamford) was just ‘lege’. They were amazing when we came off and that’s what football is all about. But even through the game they were loud – you could hear them.
“We knew Stamford loaded the box but I thought we dealt with it well. It’s three points and the lads are buzzing.”
Second half goals from captain Paul McCone and Charlie Williams wrapped up the points after Stamford had taken a first half lead prior to having defender Ashton Offler sent off – a display that prompted praise from boss Gavin Hurren, particularly for his debutant shotstopper.
The Bards manager said: “We knew Stamford would be direct and I thought Callum did well with that. His kicking and distribution were excellent, and he’s not even had a full training session with us. I thought he was solid and pulled two great saves out towards the end.
“He is a young lad and an exciting prospect for us. He has loads to learn but I thought he had a debut that he could be proud of in front of nearly 600 fans.
“Lob (O’Brien) has been fantastic for this football club and still has a little bit to give but he needs time to recharge his batteries and heal his wounds. That means it’s a great opportunity for Callum to learn not only from Liam but some of the other experienced players we have in the squad, the likes of Chris Hussey, Paul McCone, Josh Hawker, Lee Vaughan and Liam Daly.”
Hurren also thanked the bumper January crowd that enjoyed Stratford’s first win in three games.
“Once again we showed character and professionalism holding it together for all the 102 minutes we played and seeing the game out,” he said. “I thought it was the correct result. We were the better team on the day against a good side.
“I thought our game management was really good and I’m delighted with the atmosphere around the ground, it felt like everyone from the town had come out. It has been a tough few weeks for the fans as they tried to get to the long away trips we’ve had so it was amazing to hear them and to see the number of children we’ve had cheering us on, it makes for an amazing atmosphere.”
