Smith makes a Blues return
New Waterford FC signing Matty Smith donning the new casual club gear that is available from the club shop. Photo: Waterford FC
After winning the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division with Shelbourne FC and scoring the goal of the season in 2024 against St. Patrick’s Athletic, attacker Matty Smith has made a return to the RSC for the 2025 campaign.
Smith, who hails from Scotland, first came in Waterford back in 2020 with many fans unable to see him in action due to Covid 19, he played in all 18 games of that season before leaving the club before the end of the season.
He then made the move to Richmond Park where he joined St. Patrick’s Athletic where he scored an impressive 12 goals and ended up lifting silverware in the FAI Cup as Smith’s side defeated Bohemians on penalties in the Aviva Stadium.
The exciting winger moved onto play with Derry City in 2021, before returning to the capital midway through the season as he signed for Shelbourne where he spent over two seasons and made 30 appearances in the 2024 title success.
Now back a Blue for 2025, the attacker is a welcome addition to Keith Long’s attacking options ahead of the start of the new League of Ireland season.
Speaking on his return to the Blues, Smith, who’ll wear the number ten jersey for the season ahead, said: “It feels great to be back – back to a club where I really enjoyed my short spell of time when I was here [in 2020]. After being on the phone to Keith, it was a no-brainer to come back.
“It’s gotten very good over the past couple of years here in Waterford, especially the last two years. It’s something that really excites me. It was different in 2020, it was really my first senior club in professional football, so to be back here now again five years on is great.
“I’ve loved it here in Ireland. I’ve got a cup & now a league to my name, so I’m no stranger to it. And now to be back here in Waterford is great. I’ve grown as a player since I’ve been here first, I think I can add that bit of experience to the team – a team that I think is very exciting – and I can’t wait to get going with the lads.
“I can’t wait to work with Keith. He’s been onto me probably since I’ve come over here the past four years he’s been trying to sign me. After meeting with him I can’t wait to get going, he’s got an exciting team here and I like how he plays, so I’m glad to be involved in it”
Blues Head Coach Keith Long added: “We’re delighted that we have been able to bring Matty back to Waterford FC. We are in a different place as a club to when Matty was here previously and I’ve no doubt that his experience and quality will help us as we continue to build our squad.
“I’m really looking forward to finally getting the opportunity to work with Matty, having tried to sign him on several occasions over the years. He will give us options & quality at the top end of the pitch, and I’ve no doubt the Waterford supporters will be happy to see him return to the Blues.”
