Stephen McDonnell has been busy through the off season as he continues to add more new faces to the 2021 squad at St. Patrick’s Athletic with the addition of winger Matty Smith from Waterford.
The tricky Scot had been an ever present for the Blues last season in a tumultuous season at the Regional Sports Centre under Alan Reynolds, John Sheridan and Fran Rockett where they fell just short of European qualification with a defeat in Finn Park during the last round of league games.
The attacking player had spent 7 seasons with Dundee United in his home town since making his senior debut in 2015/16 in the Scottish Premiership although the majority of his senior career was spent with the club in the Scottish Championship.
Smith had also impressed during loan spells in Scottish League Two with Cove Rangers and Montrose.
He’s looking forward to expressing himself on the league during the coming season with Pat’s. In from Scotland via a statement on St. Patrick’s Athletic’s website he said “It’s a pleasure to join St Pat’s and I’m really looking forward to getting back over to Ireland and the season starting up.
“I’m really happy to be a St Pat’s player. I’ve been in contact with the gaffer (Stephen O’Donnell) for a few months and he was very eager to get me in. It was a no-brainer.
“He wants me to play with freedom and express myself going forward. I hope to get more goals and assists and kick on in the league.”
Smith follows his former Waterford team mate Sam Bone who also completed a move to Richmond Park yesterday.
St. Pat’s also announced the promotion of four youth players to their first team squad for 2021 as Kyle Robinson, Kian Corbally, Josh Keeley & Cian Kelly all put pen to paper and signed their first professional contracts.
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