Tuesday 16th July 2013
DUMBARTON boss Ian Murray is pleased to have beaten off strong competition to secure the services of highly rated striker Kevin Smith, who debuted for Sons against Partick Thistle on Saturday.
“Kevin has got the quality to be a real asset for us,” the gaffer declared in an interview after the friendly this weekend.
“He has shown he is a handful for anyone, he is very strong,” Murray continued. “I think Thistle found him a real test and I thought he did exceptionally well for what little service he got.”
The Sons manager stressed that he does not see Smith as a straight replacement for last season’s goal hero, Jim Lister, who left the Club earlier in the summer.
“They are two different types of players… [but] Kevin will make his fair share of goals and score his fair share of goals,” he explained.
The striker began his career in England at Leeds United before joining Sunderland. He then returned to his native Scotland in 2008 to sign for Dundee United.
Most recently he has been at Queen of the South, attracting the attention of a large number of potential suitors in the SPFL and beyond. But it was Dumbarton who secured his signature.
After impressing against Hibernian and beginning to show his attributes against Partick, Smith has welcomed the move to the Rock, recognising the ambition of the Club he has joined.
“I am delighted to be here and looking forward to the new season ahead,” the new signing declared.
“I spoke to Jack Ross before I came, and I spoke to the manager, and they said they knew what I could do and it was just a case of making sure I was fit and fitting in with the boys and it was good, I enjoyed it.”
Watch a short video interview with Kevin Smith and Ian Murray, courtesy of the Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter.
Simon Barrow