Pic: Aldershot Town FC
ALDERSHOT TOWN have strengthened their goalkeeping ranks with the addition of youngster Mark Smith from Championship club Brentford.
The Shots had already signed experienced Jake Cole from local rivals Woking earlier this summer, and have now brought in Smith to push him for the number one jersey.
The 20-year-old was part of Brentford’s first team squad a number of times last season but spent most of the campaign out on loan in the National League North with Lowestoft Town and at Ryman Premier outfit Hampton & Richmond Borough, helping the Beavers to the league title.
Smith was released by Brentford at the end of last season and featured in five of the Shots’ pre-season friendlies, doing enough to earn a deal at the Recreation Ground.
Smith told the Shots website: “This is a club with a lot of history, and Gary (Waddock, manager) was a massive part of my decision to come here.
“He was very honest in his assessment of me and how he saw me fitting into the squad. I can learn a lot from Gary, and I’m here to push Jake Cole (for a starting place) – he’s a very experienced goalkeeper and I can also learn a lot from him.
“With my personality, I don’t like to feel too comfortable, or satisfied with what I’ve got. I like to push myself and this is going to be a new challenge for me. I want success for me and the club.
“It was difficult to leave Brentford but I knew my time was up there and that I needed that new challenge. My aim is to get back into the Football League, and I’m sure Aldershot Town want to be back there as well.
“We’re looking promising, we’re a very good team. We’re a new team so it could take us a while to hit our peak, but we’re a good set of lads.”
