Smith has got the taste for first team football
Academy graduate Reece handed league debut against Daggers
Maidenhead United youngster Reece Smith says he now has the taste for first team football after making his league debut against Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday evening.
The 18-year-old was included in the Magpies squad for their National League clash against the Daggers and came on in the 81st minute as a substitute for Josh Coley, putting in a sturdy display down the left flank.
And despite marking his first league appearance for Maidenhead with a defeat, Smith was thankful to be given his chance and was delighted that his hard work in training had been rewarded.
“It felt amazing because when you’re a kid you always dream of that moment where you make your league debut,” he said.
“I’ve got the taste for it now and I want to keep making as many appearances as I can. I will carry on trying to improve my game as much as possible.
“It was a crazy feeling and
I’m so grateful for the gaffer’s trust. He’s always looking out for me and keeping me in check. He’s always making sure I’m training right too and that I’ve got the right attitude on and off the pitch.
“In a recent interview, he said that he saw himself in me and that gave me a lot of confidence. If someone as good as him says something like that, it makes you believe in yourself a lot more. He’s a really good person and I enjoy working under him.”
Smith is a product of the Maidenhead United academy, having represented the u16s, before featuring in the club’s record-breaking runs to the third round of the FA Youth Cup in 2018/19 and 2019/20. He made his first team debut against Binfield in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup and was handed a first start in the following round against Marlow.
“Without me going through the academy, last night (Tuesday) wouldn’t have been possible. It was so organised and gave me a clear pathway and progression,” said Smith.
“I have worked my hardest and listened to everything the coaches have told me to do. They helped me get into the position I am today so I’m very grateful for them.”
Fellow graduate and close friend Brad Keetch also featured for the Magpies on Tuesday night, and Smith added: “It was a great moment for both of us because we’ve always said to each other we want to get on the pitch together and play for Maidenhead ever since we were playing in the academy team.
“We said one day we want to be playing for the first team together and last night it happened. Brad is a good friend of mine so it’s good to share that moment with him.”
On the duo, Magpies boss Alan Devonshire said: “It was nice to have the two kids on the bench and be able to give them some time as well. We have to bring players through, the only way the club is going to move forward is by bringing our own boys through.
“They both did okay and it’s good for them both to have a taste of it so they know what level they’ve got to get to.”