Lewis Smith wants to follow in Lewis Ferguson’s footsteps and make it big at Aberdeen. The winger came through the ranks at Hamilton just behind Scotland’s World Cup star. Smith watched the midfielder go to Pittodrie and make it big and then win his big-money move to Bologna. The new boy is now hoping he can have the same success as his fellow Accies graduate.
Smith's admiration for Ferguson
Smith said: “I grew up playing with Lewis and I know him very well from our time together at Hamilton. I’ve not spoken to him for a while but he did really well when he was at Aberdeen. If I can replicate anything like what he did in terms of success up here then that would be great.”
“Lewis was a year older than me and we never played together in Hamilton’s first team but we did a lot in the youth system. He only played half a season at senior level at Hamilton so his rise here was really quick and hopefully I can also have an instant impact. He’s a great person and has gone on to do well with Bologna and a really good summer with Scotland at the World Cup.”
Transfer details and early debut
Aberdeen paid a six-figure fee to land Smith from Livingston last week. He was handed a quickfire debut in Tuesday’s win over Brora Rangers. Smith was delighted to be thrown back in and now they entertain Queen’s Park.
Smith admitted: “It was a surprise that I was starting straight away but the gaffer was intent on getting me involved right away. I was happy with that as I did the preseason at Livi anyway so I was fully fit and ready to go. There’s no better way to start forming connections with my new team mates than going right into competitive games. It was good to be able to do that and then to start with a positive result as well meant it couldn’t be better.”
Style of play and inspiration
Smith admitted his strength is creating and getting the fans off their seat. He is a big fan of Lionel Messi and hopes he can win another World Cup with Argentina this weekend. “The obvious one is Messi and that doesn’t go away,” the Aberdeen new boy insisted. “Just look at how he played against England the other night and it’s just unbelievable what he’s still doing. For any young player coming through watching what he does would help and still does me. Players like him that get the fans off their seats and always try positive things are an inspiration for me. We’ll see if I’m still playing at 39 and fingers crossed he lifts the World Cup again.”
Home debut anticipation
The 26-year-old is now looking forward to his Pittodrie debut in red. He has never won there and wants to make sure that happens against the Spiders. He stated: “I’ve never been on the winning side at Pittodrie as it was two defeats then a draw with Livingston here last season. Obviously that was good for Aberdeen but not me personally but now I get the chance to experience that a lot in the future. That will be good for me and the club going forward and hopefully that starts by beating Queen’s Park. It would be a great way to make my home debut and I’m excited to see the place to be bouncing as an Aberdeen player.”
Facing former teammates
Smith will also be up against a well-known face in Queen’s Park from his time together at Accies. “I played a lot with him (Scott) at Hamilton and it will be good to see him again,” he added. “But I know I’ll not get any favours as I’m sure he’ll be going after me for sure as he doesn’t hold back for anyone. There’s actually a few boys in their team I know like Matthew Shields who was at Hamilton as well. But the main thing we are looking to build on Tuesday’s win against Brora and show the home fans what we’re all about.”
Managerial influence
Robinson, by his own admission, is full on. He had something similar with David Martindale at Livingston. Smith reckons their styles bring out the best in him. He confirmed: “They are both really intense, both are really enthusiastic and both really loud on the sidelines. I think that helps just knowing what a manager wants from you. It might take me a while to get used to some different things but I’m ready to take that on board.”
