Yeovil Town have completed the signing of experienced defender Michael Smith until the end of the season with an option for a further year.
The 35-year-old has been a free agent since he left Scottish Premier League side Hearts of Midlothian.
Speaking on the club’s official channels, the new man said: “Speaking to the gaffer [Mark Cooper] and the coaching staff, they want to build something here. The club’s probably lower than it should be at the minute but you know with a good squad, I thought it’s a good opportunity to create something and help the team and hopefully get promoted this year.”
On how the move came about Smith said: “I was moving back to Bristol anyway, that’s where my family home is now. I wanted to be based around the area. I had a chat with the gaffer, came down, seen what it was all about and had a good chat with the staff, trained with the boys and decided ‘yeah it fits’. I’m just looking forward to the challenge now.”
He made over 200 appearances in all competitions for the Edinburgh side, including appearances in their Europa Conference League campaign last season.
Smith also boasts a wealth of experience elsewhere, including 200 appearances in the EFL for Bristol Rovers and Peterborough United, and 19 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring 1 goal for his country.
He was seen as a trialist at Cheltenham Town this summer, but has shuffled down south to join the Glovers. Smith is primarily a right back, but can also fill in at centre back, or defensive midfield, giving manager Mark Cooper plenty of options across the field.
Welcome to Huish Park Michael!
Our latest addition… ✍? #YTFC ? pic.twitter.com/Wa8wS0oipo
— Yeovil Town F.C. (@YTFC) September 12, 2023