Jimmy delighted to be back for third season with the Reds
Jimmy Smith believes that the style of play Head Coach Dermot Drummy is implementing at the club will suit him next season.
The midfielder signed a new one year deal with the option of an extra year on Tuesday, and believes Dermot’s philosophy is one which will bring out the best in him.
“I’m very pleased it’s all done now and I’m looking forward to the start of the season,” he said.
“Dermot has a style of play where we try to get the ball down and pass it. That’s what he wants to bring into the club and personally it suits me.
“He wants me to get on the ball and try to express myself and that’s what I want to do.
“The system pushes us towards attacking and flowing football and with the right personnel I’m sure we’ll be a strong force next season.”
The 2015/16 campaign saw Smith side-lined with a broken foot for more than three months but he says that the chance to continue to work with a man he knows from their time together at Chelsea is exciting for him.
“Last year was frustrating for me from a personal perspective because I was doing well at the beginning of the campaign and then I broke my foot halfway through the season," added Jimmy.
“I missed about 15 games and it wasn’t ideal.
“Now the new manager has come in and I know him well from my time when I was at Chelsea. I like the way he goes about his business and I like the style of play he wants.”
“He’s also very professional in everything he does too, and that’s a big thing for me. It’s made me happy that I’ve signed and that I’m able to work with him again.”
Smith and Bobson Bawling have now signed new deals with the club and the duo join four new faces that have already arrived under Dermot and Matt Gray.
It is business that has left the Jimmy excited for the new season to get underway.
“It’s good to have new players coming in. To get so much done early shows how organised he is, and the type of players he wants to bring in too. Everyone is raring to get back now for pre-season."
