Shelbourne Football Club are delighted to announce Matty Smith has agreed a new deal with the club.
Becoming the fourth signing of the day for Damien Duff’s side, which also earlier saw Paddy Barrett put pen to paper on a new contract and Sean Gannon and Keith Ward join the Reds for next season.
The 26-year-old Scottish attacker endured an injury-interrupted season in 2023 that saw him make 19 appearances in the League of Ireland.
Despite the ankle injury that curtailed the second half of the season the attacker scored four vital goals for Damien Duff’s side last season, playing his part as the Reds secured a fourth place finish in the League of Ireland, their highest since 2006.
Smith also won the League of Ireland Goal of the Season, with his strike in the 2-2 draw with Shamrock Rovers emerging as the winner of a public vote.
Smith joined the Reds on loan from Derry City in the summer of 2022 and made a massive impact before making the move from the Brandywell on a permanent basis at the start of 2023 season.
A native of Dundee, Smith made 13 starts and scored twice for the Reds in 2022, his first goal coming against old club St Pats in a 4-4 draw at Tolka Park, while the attacker also netted in the 6-0 demolition of Drogheda United at the end of the 2022 season.
In 2023, Smith was on the scoresheet in the victories over Cork City and Sligo Rovers, as well as draws with Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers.
Damien Duff, Shelbourne FC Head Coach said: “Matty will be like a new signing for us in 2024, a big new signing. He will be disappointed by how last year went, but knowing Matty’s character, I am in no doubt he will come back stronger and better than ever. When fit he is a match winner in this league. Having an amazing work ethic and brilliant attacking qualities is why it was so important in getting him to sign back. I can’t wait to see him fit and firing again in a Shels shirt.”
Matty Smith said: “Signing back with Shels feels like a fresh start for me. I’m thrilled to be here, it’s a fantastic club and I’m eager to get back on the pitch. Last season’s injury was a setback, but I’m determined to work hard and show what I’m about. I’m excited about the journey ahead in the league and Europe and know I can make a positive impact.”
