Bohemians sign Scottish defender Liam Smith

Bohemians have confirmed the signing of 28-year-old Scottish right-back Liam Smith on a multi-year contract.

Smith, who has over 200 appearances in Scottish football with teams like Hearts, St Mirren, and Dundee United, has recently played for Cheltenham Town and Grimsby Town in England.

Manager Alan Reynolds expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, emphasising the club's need to bolster the right-back position.

“Right-back was an area where we identified we needed to strengthen,” Reynolds noted.

“Liam is one we have been chasing for a while now. He has tremendous experience and has played a lot of games at a high level in both Scotland and England. He is a massive signing for us. It has been a long process getting this over the line, so I am thrilled that we have got him.”

Smith, who has won the Scottish Championship with both St Mirren and Dundee United, becomes Reynolds' fifth signing in the July transfer window, joining Ross Tierney, Leigh Kavanagh, Archie Meekison, and Alex Greive.

Speaking about his move, Smith said, “When I heard about the initial interest, I had a long conversation with the manager and I was really impressed by the ideas he put across and the presentation he made about the club. He has a real ambition about where he sees the club going and that was attractive.”

Smith added, “I am at an age now where I have played a lot of games in Scotland and in England and have had a range of experiences. I know what it is like to win leagues and I know what it’s like to scrap at the bottom of leagues, so I believe my experience and leadership can help the team. I pride myself on being consistent. I’m a full-back who likes to contribute and get forward when I can, but first and foremost I’m about defending and keeping clean sheets.”

The defender also highlighted the positive feedback he received from peers about the league and the club.

“I spoke to players I know in the league - a couple of the boys at Derry City and I’ve played with Declan McDaid before too, so I’ve reached out to people and they only have positive things to say about the league. Declan had nothing but good things to say about the club as well, which upped my interest. This is a new city for me and my wife, and we are looking forward to getting settled.”