Smith on returning older and wiser to the place where it all began…
“It feels amazing!” said Sam Smith, soon after penning a deal to join the Royals… the club where he got his break in the game and made his professional debut back in 2017.
“It’s a bit surreal, but I’m just happy to be back here now.
“I spoke to the club throughout the off-season. I knew there was a bit of interest, and I knew what was going on behind the scenes.
“As soon as I spoke to the manager and heard about the plan he has for the club, and how he wants the club to move forward, it was something I liked the sound of.
“I did speak to Harvey Knibbs too – got his opinions since he has been here and he only had positive things to say!”
He was number 43 from our Academy to make a first-team appearance – that number has extended to 77 since then.
And that was part of his decision – being back at a club that offers opportunities for players to make a mark.
“Coming through the Academy here, to come back and see all the staff and everyone who works here… it’s nice to see everyone again!” he continued.
“This club has always had a special place for me; when you come through the Academy and break into the first team, it’s always special and to be back is an amazing feeling.
“Reading has always been associated with an unbelievable Academy. So many top, top players have come through here. To see the board with my name on – that’s something I’ve always been proud of.
“And to be back at the club where it all started; it was something I couldn’t turn down. The club has always given young players opportunities and that’s something I got given.”
Undoubtedly it is a coup for the Royals to secure the services of a player with a terrific track record at this level in Cambridge colours for the past two seasons.
And it was that spell with the U’s – as well as several loan spells away from RG2 in his first spell at Reading – that allowed him to learn more about the game, flourish, and ultimately earn a return to the club!
He said: “I had to go away to learn my trade and become the player I am now. The time I was here, I probably wasn’t ready or circumstances changed that. I think over the past few years I havegot the game, I’ve got the experience, and this is a league that I’ve played in for a while now.
“So to come in, I really think I can come and make an impact and help the club to get back where it needs to be.
“I’ve definitely developed as a person – I’ve matured a lot. And as a player too, I have learned a lot in terms of playing and getting experience, and working on things I wasn’t so good at.
“To be back here and show what I can do… that’s something I’m determined to do. I’ve got a real hunger to help the club.
“There’s no denying what’s gone on in the past at the football club. I think now the club needs to get the foundations back and bring in players to help us to have a really good year.
“With the facilities, the stadium and the manager, there’s no reason why we can’t aim to try to get promoted. The first thing is to put the foundations in place, get the fans on board, get everyone back in the stadium. Personally I can’t wait to see everyone again.”
