Tuesday 28th June 2016
DAVID SMITH insists there’s nothing outstanding about the number 17.
Except that it’s his.
The midfielder, signed from Falkirk yesterday, revealed that his new squad number with Dumbarton is one he’s kept all through his senior career.
And that was why he chose to wear it in the white, black and gold – and red and black away from home – for Sons.
The 23-year-old has had to wait to settle his future after leaving the Falkirk Stadium, but is convinced he’s made the right move.
He said: “When I made my breakthrough at Hearts I had the number 17, and it’s just a number that I’ve grown to like. There’s no more to it than that.
“I knew I was leaving Falkirk at the end of last season and once it finished myself and Stevie Aitken kept in touch – while we were both on holiday.
“We didn’t meet up in person until a couple of weeks ago. He told me the foundations of Dumbarton and it sounded like a good club.
“I had other clubs interested but noting concrete came in. Training with the players has been good and I knew it was time to see it through and sign.”
A former Hearts youth player, David provided Sons fans with a glimpse of his ability in Tuesday’s friendly with Dundee.
But it wasn’t the first time they’ve seen what he can do. His only league goal for Falkirk was a late one to deny Sons two points in a 3-3 draw in January 2015.
Now that he’s in the Dumbarton camp, he’s looking forward to getting started for real.
He added: “It’s a good opportunity for me to get back into football at Championship level and play games. Stevie is a good young manager who did a good job with Dumbarton last season, and with Stranraer before that.
“Dumbarton were a hard team to beat whenever I played against them for Falkirk and I’m really looking forward to playing for them.
“I didn’t play a lot for Falkirk towards the end of last season but I’m raring to go and fully fit. I really want to go for it with Dumbarton.”
Andy Galloway