Former club captain Rikki Smith has some big expectations of his return to Inglewood United. The versatile defender has put his hand up to wear the gold and blue next season having already gained over 100 outings for the club during a previous spell. Smith’s addition comes hot on the heels of Aleks Vrteski’s signing, and further signals the club’s intention to challenge for top honours in the National Premier Leagues.
“I’m really excited to be joining Inglewood in 2015,” said Smith. “(Head coach) Michael Garcia contacted me to see what my plans were and, following a number of conversations, it was clear that Inglewood was the best option for me. Inglewood has always been a great club to play for, they really look after their players and are building a very strong squad which is something I want to be part of.”
It’s no secret that a lack of defensive depth hindered Inglewood last season. In addressing this Garcia, who will guide the club for the first time in 2015, has focused his recruitment on the back third of the park. Smith says the signing of Vrteski and Jovo Pavlovic to compliment Scott Blackmore, Shane Pickering and club stalwart Jason Colli played a big role in his move to Inglewood.
“The club has some big plans and the defensive unit they are putting together is impressive … that was a big factor in my decision to join the club,” he said. “The defensive players at Inglewood aren’t just good players, they’re also good characters. That sort of mix isn’t easy to find and it certainly made the move to Inglewood more attractive.”
Smith, the cousin of Brisbane Roar captain Matt Smith, is no stranger to Inglewood. Born in England, he initially joined the club in 2009 and quickly became an establish part of the first eleven. Across five seasons he wore club colours on 126 occasions and collected a State Cup runners-up medal, in 2009, prior to switching to Stirling Lions last winter.
Now back at the club he loves, Smith has high hopes of personal and team success in 2015. “I’ll be aiming to be part of a defensive unit that has the best record in the league,” he said. “Given the attacking quality we have in the squad – scoring goals won’t be an issue – so if we can complement this with a strong defensive record then team success will follow.
