Q&A With… Christian Smith

Grant Morton continues his series talking to Bully Wee players and staff by featuring Christian Smith, the young midfielder who has been a regular feature in the first team since signing in the summer…

GM: Great result on Saturday! How did you rate the performance?
CS: We knew it was going to be a tough game after the cup game but we pressed them from the start and got what we deserved. It was a good performance from the team.

How did you rate you personal performance?
Not too bad. I had a bad one the week before so I knew I had to perform.

How are you enjoying life at Clyde?
It’s great. I feel good now that I’m fully fit. I am really enjoying being in the team and enjoying my football.

How do you think you have done since coming to the club?
I’ve been on and off. I know some of the games have not been my best. But as I’ve played more games I’ve got better and I’ll continue to get better with games.

Are you now settled in the area?
Yes, I’m living with Craig (McKeown) now, which is good. When I first came up here I was staying in hotels which was bad, but I’m settled now and enjoying it.

Is it true that Joe Cardle’s family helped you move up here?
Yes. I played a lot with Joe last year in the reserves at Port Vale and Colin is a friend of Joe’s family. He’d seen me play a game where I scored a goal and rang up Joe’s family to see what my situation was. I am very grateful to Joe’s family for their help with this opportunity and grateful to Colin for creating it.

Was it difficult leaving Port Vale?
In a sense it was. I thought it was at the time but now when I look back I’m happy to have left as I wasn’t playing first team football. I had no chances there, but I’ve come up here and played pretty much every game so I’m enjoying things a lot more.

What did you know of Clyde before you came here?
I knew absolutely nothing to be honest! One of my mate’s girlfriends knew a bit and told me about it.

How does the club compare to Port Vale?
It’s both similar and different. Clyde are nearly there. The club has a good stadium and good training facilities so we are heading in the right direction.

Do you think there is much of a difference between English and Scottish football?
Definitely, but it’s hard to say what it is. I think the ball is played on the ground more in England. But I’m used to the style of play up here now.

You had spells at Cambridge United and Northwich. Were these beneficial in developing you as a player?
Northwich wasn’t as I only played a couple of games but Cambridge was good. I learnt a lot there and was grateful for the opportunity.

Do you see your move to Scotland as a long-term or short-term move?
It’s hard to say. I’m enjoying myself up here and I don’t mind if it’s a long-term stay. I am very happy to be at Clyde and I think it would be good if I stayed.

It has been a mixed start to the season. Do you think the team is still to ‘peak’ in terms of performance?
Definitely. I think there is going to be a game where we score quite a few goals as we’re creating the chances but just not scoring them.

Much emphasis was put on bringing a striker to the club. Now that Evangelino Valentim has been brought in, do you think there will be an immediate impact on results/performance?
I couldn’t tell you at the moment, as he isn’t fully fit so we haven’t seen much of him. But he is a big, big lad and is looking promising.

How has the training been this week in preparation for the Livingston game?
It’s been good. Today we worked on a bit of possession. It’s been enjoyable all week.

Do you think the team can get their first away win of the season this weekend?
Definitely. Everyone is beatable in this league. We have beaten Dunfermline so there is no reason why we can’t go out and win again at the weekend.

What’s with the boots?!
I get asked that a lot! I bought a pair at the start of the season but they were too small. So I took them back but they didn’t have the same pair with studs. Most of the boots had blades and these were the only pair I could get with a nice set of studs on them.

What are your personal goals for the season?
To help the team finish as high up the league as possible. I have a bet on with the physio about how many goals I can finish with at the end of the season but I’m not telling you what it is!

Do you have any messages for the fans?
I’d like to thank them for all their support and long may it continue.