Smith delighted with first start in 10 months

Recent arrival Will Smith has previewed Saturday’s home match against Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League (3pm kick-off).

The Harrogate Town loanee made his first start for the Iron on Tuesday night, and he began by talking about how that felt. He said: “It’s been a long time coming, as I’ve been out for a long time, but it felt good to be back out on the pitch. We didn’t get the win but it’s still a point away from home and we need to build on it this weekend.”

The defender had not played for 10 months after requiring a double hernia operation, but is glad to be back. He said: “I got through the 90 minutes fine and I felt good. I’ve got the first one out the way and now it will just get better and better which is good for me and for the club as well. It’s been a long road back but we’re there now so hopefully I can kick on.” 

The games are coming thick and fast, and Will spoke about the importance of each game in picking up minutes for himself as well as points. He said: “It works hand in hand, getting 90 minutes again and hopefully picking up three points as well on Saturday. That’s always the aim.” 

He then reflected on his time at the Iron so far, saying: “I’m enjoying it. The lads are good, the staff are good, it’s got a good feel around the place. We just need to pick up the points now and get a run going.” 

Will continued: “I’m looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd on Saturday. We need to get the place rocking and we do that by playing well first and foremost and getting the three points.”

The Iron new boy also spoke about this weekend's opposition, stating: “It’ll be a tough game but we will approach it in the way that we need to do. I’m sure we can get the three points if we put in a performance that’s right. We need to work hard, score goals, keep a clean sheet and hopefully get the win.”

Smith played alongside Ben Richards-Everton on Tuesday, at the heart of the Iron defence, and stated: “It was really good, I enjoyed it. Ben’s got experience as well which is really good, so we helped each other through the game and we can help other people around us as well, so hopefully the partnership gets better and better."

See more from Will Smith, Richie Bennett and Jimmy Dean on Iron Player.