Town defender back to make his mark
Shrewsbury Town defender Dom Smith is back from Barrow and looking to get back into the first team fold ahead of the game with Southend on Saturday.Smith played 6 games in his spell in the National League, helping Barrow to 5th in the league, but now he is happy to be back and ready to make his mark in League One.
“It’s good to be back,” Dom told ShrewsWeb.
“I obviously missed it here, but also got my development when I was away. It was a different level of football. I got used to playing the dirty side, doing the long balls and dealing with headers and then I could back here and I’m able to play it on the deck and play proper football.
“It was a great standard there. The lads there were absolutely brilliant and I really enjoyed my time there. I got a bond with the players, I got a bond with the manager Paul Cox and I really enjoyed it.”
The players have only had three training sessions so far with the new manager, but he has already been impressed with the way Paul Hurst goes about his business.
“He’s amazing,” admitted Dom.
“He said that he noticed me when I was about 16 years old, about four years ago, so it’s nice to hear stuff like that. He’s done well at Grimsby, getting them promoted to League Two, and I think he can come here and turn things round here.
“He likes to speak to the lads, doesn’t like to leave anyone out and I think that can lift the whole team. He doesn’t want to chuck me right in at the deep end because obviously I haven’t had a game in a couple of weeks, but if I am needed then I am ready to put a shift in.”
Smith’s mind is now fully on Saturday’s game with Shrewsbury Town and he admits that he will be ready if called upon.
“I spoke to the gaffer and they’ve got Nile Ranger up top, Simon Cox as well, but we’ve just got to focus on our game really,” said Smith.
“If we do our jobs well then we should get the result anyway. If we give 110% every game, we should be able to pull a result out.
“I’ve obviously played numerous amount of games here, so personally I should be able to do it. I’m looking forward to it. It’s another step for me. I’m always ready,” added Dom.