British striker joins pal at Tasman
Tasman United have signed versatile British forward Kieran Smith.
The 25-year-old will arrive Nelson after four seasons at Welsh Premier League side Bala Town, where he scored 29 goals in 113 appearances.
His most famous goal was his most recent one - the matchwinner in this year’s Welsh Cup final.
Smith is a good friend and former team-mate of Tasman midfielder Robbie Pearson and it was through that connection that the opportunity to play in New Zealand arose.
The initial plan was actually for Smith to link up with his pal at Napier City Rovers last year but he pulled out at the last minute.
But naturally, as close friends, the pair have kept in regular contact and Pearson was able to convince him to join Tasman for the 2017-18 ISPS Handa Premiership.
‘‘Rob is a very good friend of mine and I speak to him quite regularly so he’s been a massive help really. I already had my heart set on coming over but he showed me some of the pictures and told me a few details about the club itself, obviously it’s a new franchise, so I felt like it was a great opportunity,’’ Smith said.
Tasman coach Davor Tavich said Smith is an important piece to the jigsaw, particularly with Ermal Hajdari returning to Europe and Tinashe Marowa pushing for a place in the Wellington Phoenix reserves
‘‘Kieran is a very good attack- ing footballer and he’s obviously played at a high level. He’s young, he’s quick and he’s very excited about coming here and I can’t wait to get him here. He’s just what we need; experienced and working with desire.’’
Tavich said Smith was versatile enough to fill any attacking role and was pleased to hear that he hard- was genuinely excited to be joining Tasman.
‘‘He really sounds like he can’t wait to come to New Zealand and play for us, and that’s really nice to hear. From the first day he was positive and he never mentioned any contract terms, he just wanted to play and that was really refreshing for me.’’
Smith hails from Chester in England and although he is comfortable across the forward line and in an attacking midfield role, he played predominantly as the central striker for Bala last season.
Bala emerged as one of the stronger teams in Wales during Smith’s spell, finishing third in the Welsh Premier League during the 2016-17 season and winning the Welsh Cup for the first time.
Smith had the honour of scoring the game-winning goal in their triumph over The New Saints. He said it was a moment he would cherish forever, particularly as it was his final game for the club.
‘‘I think all the Bala fans will remember me for that as it was the first time they had ever won the cup. I think that was the greatest achievement in Bala’s history probably.
‘‘From a selfish point of view it was a good way to bow out.’’
Smith has featured in Europa League qualifying for the past two seasons with Bala losing 4-0 on aggregate to Swedish side AIK and 5-1 against Liechtenstein side Vaduz.