Darren wants major role in promotion bid

Iain Robertson • Published 30 Jun 2010 10:02 0 Comments

NEW Alloa Athletic signing Darren Smith says he's determined to play a major role in the Wasps push for promotion next season.

The former Raith Rovers winger was delighted to sign for Allan Maitland's side and insisted consistency will be vital for Alloa if they want to realise their First Division ambitions.

As reported in last week's Advertiser, the 30-year-old was on Maitland's wish-list before he penned a deal at Starks Park, and Smith said the prospect of playing for the Alloa gaffer was a big draw.

Darren told Advertiser Sport, "I am really happy to get my chance at Alloa, I didn't have the best of times at Raith but Allan Maitland has made me feel very welcome.

"He came to speak with me and said he wanted me to be a big part of things here - Allan was a big factor in my decision to come to Recreation Park."

It could prove a real coup for the Wasps, as several clubs were chasing Smith, including his old club Brechin, a move he says would have been the "easy" option, but the left winger wanted a fresh challenge.

"I feel I should have played more at Raith," Smith said. "But I have nothing but good things to say about the management team there, it's just that I need to be playing football games and can't wait to get started with Alloa."

Maitland believes Smith can inject a bit of creativity into his side's play - which was lacking at times last term due to the loss of key players through injury - and help the Wasps to go one step further than last season.

Alloa's new man is confident the Wasps can get off to a flier, despite a tricky opening away game in the league to favourites Livingston.

He continued, "We have nothing to fear, and I think it's great that the first game of the league season takes us to Livingston. If we go about our business the team can do well."

Smith added, "Consistency will be the key to achieving success - picking up points when we're not at our best."

And he believes everyone at Alloa is pulling in the same direction to engender the same spirit that took the Wasps within a whisker of winning Division Two last season.

He added, "There is a good feel about this club - everything is geared up for us to move forward. My first impressions of the place have been really good. Staff, directors, players and management are all in it together."

And Smith reckons last season's heartache will only spur the side on even more to be successful.

He added, "To have missed out last season on the title by goal difference, then losing in the play-offs, was a big disappointment, but hopefully this time, with the new guys the gaffer has brought in, Alloa can make a real go of it."

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