‘It’s Up To Me To Push The Lads’ – Smithies’ First LCFC Interview
The 32-year-old shot-stopper, known for spells at Huddersfield Town, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City, joined the Club this week to boost Brendan Rodgers’ options in goal.
Former Liverpool ‘keeper Danny Ward has taken City’s No.1 shirt for the new season, while Danish prospect Daniel Iversen – a star performer on loan at Preston North End last term – is also among the stoppers now available to Rodgers in the 2022/23 campaign. Youngster Jakub Stolarczyk, meanwhile, has been earmarked by Rodgers for a development-enhancing loan spell this term.
Smithies, a former England youth international, is well aware of the quality at Leicester but is excited by the challenge posed by his new remit – to provide competition for Ward and Iversen.
“[It feels] amazing,” the Huddersfield-born ‘keeper told LCFC TV upon joining City. “It’s the first time I’ve been to the new training ground and it’s just incredible. What a place to work and come and thrive! I’m really looking forward to it.
“[Leicester] always have fantastic fans who get right behind them. I’ve had some tough games against them, but it’s a fantastic stadium and I’m looking forward to being there.
“I’ve played against them both (Ward and Iversen) before. They’re fantastic goalkeepers and it’s going to be a big challenge to push them, but I’m going to give it my all. I’m sure the standard will be very high and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”
Leicester’s new 'keeper says he has watched on over the past decade in amazement as the Foxes transformed themselves from second-tier battlers to Premier League competitors. After seeing City lift the Premier League and FA Cup, also competing in several European campaigns, Smithies can’t wait to begin.
“It’s amazing what’s happened with the Club, with the success they’ve had, and the infrastructure they’ve built up,” he explained.
“They’ve grown and grown and grown and it’s brilliant to be a part of it. As soon as I heard of the interest, I was straight on the phone to saying: ‘Make it happen!’ When I got here, all the staff and all the players have been great so far. It’s really exciting.”
Smithies is confident that he can be a useful member of the squad for City, whose class of 2022 includes many players he will be familiar with from over the years.
“I played with a couple of the lads with England youth teams, but that’s 10 years ago now,” he continued. “I’ve played against quite a lot of the lads as well so I’m sure I’ll fit in well.
“I’ve played a lot of games in my career, the majority of them in the Championship, and my role here might be a little different. I might be more of a team player, supporting and being ready to step in as soon as I’m asked to.
“It’s up to me to push the lads as far as I can, try and get in the team, and make sure I’m a good character around the place who can help the lads.
“I’m a fairly confident guy. I’m looking forward to getting going. I’ve played a lot of games, I’ve been at a couple of clubs now, so I feel like I can settle into a new environment. What better place is there than to be here?”