Waterford FC have announced the permanent signing of Matty Smith, who returns to the club on a multi-year deal.
Smith joins the Blues fresh off the back of being part of the Shelbourne FC side that were crowned the 2024 Premier Division champions, where he made 30 appearances in Shels’ title-winning season.
The Scottish attacker is no stranger to the RSC, having spent his first season in the League of Ireland (2020) with the Blues, where he started each of Waterford’s 18 Premier Division games as the club finished fifth in the covid-hit season.
Matty departed the Blues at the end of 2020, before signing for St.Patrick’s Athletic where he scored an impressive 12 goals from the wing as he ended the season lifting silverware in the FAI Cup as Smith’s side defeated Bohemians on penalties in the Aviva Stadium.
A move to Derry City followed at the end of 2021, before returning to the capital mid-way through the season as he signed for Shelbourne where he would go on to spend the next two-and-a-half years with the Drumcondra side, as he became a mainstay in the heart of the Shels attack.
Now back a Blue for 2025, the attacker is a welcome addition to Keith Long’s attacking options ahead of the start of the new League of Ireland season.
“It feels great to be back – back to a club where I really enjoyed my short spell of time when I was here [in 2020]. After being on the phone to Keith, it was a no-brainer to come back.
It’s gotten very good over the past couple of years here in Waterford, especially the last two years. It’s something that really excites me.
It was different in 2020, it was really my first senior club in professional football, so to be back here now again five years on is great.
I’ve loved it here in Ireland. I’ve got a cup & now a league to my name, so I’m no stranger to it. And now to be back here in Waterford is great.
I’ve grown as a player since I’ve been here first, I think I can add that bit of experience to the team – a team that I think is very exciting – and I can’t wait to get going with the lads.
I can’t wait to work with Keith. He’s been onto me probably since I’ve come over here the past four years he’s been trying to sign me. After meeting with him I can’t wait to get going, he’s got an exciting team here and I like how he plays, so I’m glad to be involved in it”
Waterford FC Head Coach Keith Long was delighted to secure the services of Smith for 2025:
“We’re delighted that we have been able to bring Matty back to Waterford FC. We are in a different place as a club to when Matty was here previously and I’ve no doubt that his experience and quality will help us as we continue to build our squad.
I’m really looking forward to finally getting the opportunity to work with Matty, having tried to sign him on several occasions over the years. He will give us options & quality at the top end of the pitch, and I’ve no doubt the Waterford supporters will be happy to see him return to the blues.”
Smith will wear the number 10 shirt for the Blues.
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