Trophy treble is dream come true for Jonte
Smith’s hat-trick helps Robins to thrilling fightback win,
gloslivesport@reachplc.com
JONTE Smith dedicated his hattrick for Cheltenham Town in Tuesday night’s thrilling win over West Ham United to his parents.
The 25-year-old striker was making his full debut for the Robins and after netting the first goal of his professional career in the 25th minute, he went on to score two more in the second half as the Robins hit back from 3-1 down to claim a 4-3 victory in the Leasing.com Trophy group stage, George Lloyd scoring the winning goal.
Bermudian international Smith left clutching a match ball signed by his team mates and after suffering a succession of knockbacks in his career, he paid tribute to the constant support he has been given by his family.
“So much of my football is thanks to my parents, who took the risk to leave Bermuda behind and move with me when I was 16 because I wanted to play in England,” Smith said.
“I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for them pushing me and believing in me and they’ve done more for me than I could ever imagine.
“I am thankful, as on days like this it’s like get to repay them.”
Smith was on the books of Crawley in League One from 2012 to 2014 and he spent another six months in the third tier with Oxford United during the second half of last season, but he had previously been restricted to brief cameo appearances from the bench.
He has been prolific in non-league football and scored four goals for Gloucester City, who were groundsharing at Whaddon Road at the time, during 2015/16.
But he said finding the net against West Ham’s youngsters as a full-time player at Cheltenham is the best moment of his career so far.
“I scored quite a few in non-league, but this is the highlight,” he said.
“I will remember it for a long time, and hopefully there is more to come.
“I am happy because I’ve been dreaming for this moment for a long time and it’s finally come.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to grab a match ball but I have and all the lads have signed it. It will be a memento for years to come.”
After his first 90 minutes for a long time, an exhausted Smith was planning on celebrating with a good night’s sleep, but it will not be long before he is back working to try and earn further opportunities, with his current contract running until January.
“You never give up and playing pro football is a dream for me,” he said.
“As long as I can do that I’ll be happy. I try to do my best and work as hard as I can to prolong this career as I know it’s not forever.”
Smith appeared on trial for Cheltenham in the summer and went on as a substitute in the friendly against Burnley Under-23s.
After a slight delay in proceedings he was offered a six month deal, turning down the chance to earn further caps for Bermuda.
“It wasn’t the right time to go away because I needed to make sure I got a few things over the line and I am happy that I did,” he said.
“I am not going this time either and again I feel it wasn’t the right time. great
“Opportunities have presented themselves and in the end I think it was the right decision.
“Obviously I wished I could have gone because there is an important game coming up, but I am happy to play for this team.”
Smith has been hugely impressed with the team spirit fostered by Robins manager Michael Duff.
“This is one of the best teams I’ve been in,” he said.
“The dressing room is great, with no egos and everyone pushing each other and working hard for each other.
“At other clubs you find players who feel they should be elsewhere, but everyone is happy to be here and knows it’s a good club and we can push on together.
“All clubs are different, but the manager has made it clear: with a positive attitude, we are all part of the team and we can push on together, not as individuals, playing for the man beside you, in front of you and behind you.”