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Highly-rated goalkeeper Mark Smith has signed his first professional contract with boyhood club Brentford.
The 19-year-old dreams of eventually wearing the number one shirt at Griffin Park and has impressed since his cross-city move from QPR in June of last year. Smith came with a big reputation, having guided QPR's U18s to the best defensive record in their league before joining Brentford.
The youngster, who spent part of last season at Isthmian League side Hampton & Richmond Borough FC, paid tribute to club goalkeeping coach Simon Royce for helping him to impress new head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen.
Smith said: “Playing for this [Brentford] football club is like being home from home. It’s a club I have supported as far back as I can remember, and one that would mean everything to grace the hallow turf in front of the stands where I used to watch Paul Smith [2000 - 2004].
“I have never been an advocate of luck, I’m firm believer that, if you train hard and look after yourself – both on and off the pitch, you’ll eventually get your chance to shine.
“In my opinion, there’s never been a better time to be at Brentford. I learned a lot from training with Simon [Royce], David [Button], Richard Lee and Jack Bonham last season, which has enabled me to fine-tune my overall game and push on this coming season.
“The club is also continually looking to invest in good training facilities, and has a realistic vision about where it wants the club to be in 2-3 years time, which is important for a young player like me.”
Smith will be competing with Jack Bonham and David Button for a place in Dijkhuizen's side come the start of the Championship season in August.
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