Joshua Smith makes Galway move after short stint with Finn Harps

First Division Galway United have continued their impressive raft of off-season transfer business with the acquisition of defender Joshua Smith.

Smith joins the Tribesmen having spent the conclusion of the 2019 campaign with Finn Harps in the Premier Division.

While at the Co. Donegal outfit, the 27-year-old American made five appearances for Ollie Horgan’s side, as they secured survival via a playoff victory over Drogheda United.  

“I'm delighted to be here,” Smith explained to Galway’s media team. “Yesterday I stepped off the bus and I fell in love with the town already.

“I've played in the youth system with Kaiserslautern and Karlsruher in Germany before playing in the US in college football and the MLS.

“I'm very grateful to Alan for bringing me into the club and trusting me. It was my goal to come into Finn Harps and help them stay in the Premier Division, I did that. Now my goal is to help this club achieve its goals for next season.

“Alan has a great aura and energy about him. He's very passionate about this club and about what he did with the youth last season.

“He spoke about what he's looking to do next season, so for me it was a no-brainer to jump in and give everything I have and hopefully we will achieve what we want together.

“I'll give everything I have. I'll look to bring the experiences that I have from playing in the MLS, Germany and Ireland, and I'll give it my best.”

And United boss Alan Murphy added; “Josh Smith may only have moved to Ireland in the last transfer window, but we knew from the first night we saw him play that we wanted him at Galway United for 2020 and beyond.

“At 27, he is about to enter his prime years as a centre-back and I’ve no doubt he will be a massive part of what we are trying to create here.

“Josh has enjoyed an excellent footballing education at some of the best clubs in America and Germany and that is very obvious from once you speak to him, as he is such a quick learner and an extremely coachable guy.

“I cannot wait to work with him in the new year and I think Josh is even more eager to get started, which is great.”