Ex-Hearts striker joins ECU Joondalup
Football West News
Pictured: Gordon Smith. Photo: Peter Simcox
Former Hearts striker Gordon Smith will pack some punch into ECU Joondalup’s attacking line-up this season after signing for the WA club.
The 24-year-old secured an early release from Scottish Championship side Dumbarton after spending time on loan to League One side Cowdenbeath.
Smith, whose last game was a Scottish Cup tie against Rangers at Ibrox, decided to move to WA ECU’s interest was relayed through Willie Herd, who was a former team-mate of Smith’s dad.
“I just thought ‘why not go for it,’” Smith said. “I’ve loved playing in Scotland but I’ve always wanted to try playing somewhere else, in a different country.”
It was a tough decision to move to Australia but after speaking to the club he is delighted to start a new chapter in his football career.
“It was either now or never, and that’s one of the reasons I’ve done it,” he said.
“I could have stayed at Cowdenbeath again or tried something different.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve not got any commitments, I’ve not got a wife or anything like that, and I can’t wait to get started.”
ECU coach Dale McCulloch believed Smith will prove to be an important signing on and off the pitch.
“Everyone knows we struggled in front of goal for the last two seasons and Gordon will give us a massive boost in the final third,” McCulloch said.
“He comes with a wealth of experience in Scottish football and has an eye for goal which will be vital for us this season.
“We have been creating chances but not converting them, so with Gordon coming on board, along with Steven McGarry, it will really give us a real target up top which is pleasing.
“He will also work with our academy sides and it will be great for the youngsters to have such a professional player working with them.”
Born in Edinburgh, Smith played for Hibernian’s youth teams before signing for Livingston. He joined Scottish Premier League side Hearts in the summer of 2009 and had loan spells at Stirling Albion and Hamilton before signing for Raith Rovers.
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