After suffering an injury during the preseason, Reading forward Sam Smith described the beginning of the season as one of his “most difficult periods of his career.”
During the summer, the 25-year-old went back to Berkshire. The striker, who made 11 appearances in his previous stint at the SCL Stadium after rising through the ranks, comes back after spending two seasons with Cambridge United, where he scored over 30 goals.
Despite having participated in two preseason friendly, Smith’s 4-0 loss against Charlton Athletic on Saturday was his first competitive appearance since his comeback. Smith was a big summer signing.
Speaking to the press at the Valley, the Mancunian struck a sombre pose for the first hour and a half.
“It’s been one of the most difficult periods of my career,” he stated. “I’ve never really experienced anything like this before—playing all the games I’ve played and then coming back and being hurt right immediately. I think I put more pressure on myself than anybody else, so it’s heartbreaking that it started the way it did at a place like this, which means a lot to me.
“I’m putting in more effort than ever to support the guys and the football team in returning to our proper standing. I consider the honour that is my position, and I aim to do all within my power to begin seeing some results.”
More than 2,500 Royals made the trip to South London to see the 19th straight away game without a win. The team just has one more game remaining to avoid finishing a whole year without a road victory.
For their first-ever encounter with the Cod Army, Ruben Selles’ team plays Fleetwood Town, another struggling team, tomorrow.
Smith is eager to provide fans at RG2 with something to cheer about while hoping to start well at home.
“All you can do is cheer it on. It’s my first game, and it’s amazing how many people came out to support me. The only thing we can hope for while we are going through everything at the club is that the supporters will be there for us. We should be able to win at home on Tuesday after giving credit to each and every one of them today.”
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