Matt Smith: "It's been a long year for myself personally"

Despite having been announced as one of the first signings for the 2025 league campaign, Matt Smith’s second stint at the Blues saw him play just over two hours of football, making his first start in the final game of the season, as a knee injury threatened his future in the game.

But following three substitute appearances before the playoff, the diminutive Scotsman, was ready to make the starting eleven and he was happy with his contribution where he delivered 77 minutes in tricky conditions.

“Absolutely delighted. It's been a long year for myself personally,” he commented after the game. “I haven't been involved. It's my first start in the whole season. It's a playoff final as well as the lads having a tough season too. For a young squad to get it over the line there, it's just brilliant.” And while he was looking at contributing a good sixty minutes, he was thrilled to deliver another seventeen minutes on top given the heavy conditions.

“I think when you're out there you don't really think about it. Your body kind of, it's not as sore as what you think it is. And obviously when Lawls [Matt Lawlor] came in, he's a man that I love to play for, Yeatesy as well. So I gave him a run tonight.” With premier status secured and a return to first team football, Smith is happy that the dark days are behind them and he is now looking forward to building on this.

“I was told a few times that my career would be cut short or even this year I might not be playing again. So, to be out there is pretty emotional. To start a game as well and finish it 75 minutes, I'm absolutely delighted. It's brilliant to be looking at the Premier Division again. So absolutely delighted to have another year as well. Rest up and then can't wait to go again next year. Like I said, a good few weeks off now. And then hopefully next year we can push on better than what we've done this year.” The hero of the night was still beaming more than 40 minutes after the end of the game. Sam Glenfield’s goal sixteen minutes from time secured Waterford’s Premier Division status and as the Northern Ireland Under 21 international looked ahead to linking up with his international teammates ahead of this week’s series of games, the chants and support from the Waterford fans will still be ringing in his ears.

“What a night. I'm buzzing,” he beamed. “It's just a throwback to the fans for all the dedication they've given us all year and the rest of the boys and the coaching staff. It wouldn't feel right if we were to get beat tonight and go down to the lower league. We just didn't deserve it as a club.” And his second goal of the season, and third of his Blues career is certainly one that will live long in the memory.

“Listen, it was a sh^*e pitch, so I just thought don't take as many touches and try to get it out of their feet and thankfully it opened up and I found the bottom corner. I just take a touch on the edge of the box and whack it in their corner. That's all you can do.” And he revealed that there was only one focus during the week.

“All the boys were tuned in. We thought nothing less than a win and thankfully that's how it finished. Bray were good. They came out firing and they got the early goal but thankfully they got that goal set back and we got a load of chances. It could have been 4 or 5 if I'm honest but we got the win and everyone's buzzing.”