Mark Smith has signed a new one-year contract at Brentford FC. He joined last summer after a successful trial following his release from Queens Park Rangers.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper will be hoping to make his Brentford debut in the future, which will no doubt please his family who are life-long Bees fans.
“I’m obviously delighted,” said Mark, talking to Bees Player. “Being my boyhood team it’s great to get another opportunity to and a chance to progress. Both my grandads supported Brentford, and my dad’s watched them ever since he was a little boy. I’ve been coming here since I was about five.”
“It’s an honour to play for the team you support.”
He had loan spells at Hitchin Town and Hampton and Richmond Borough last season and was offered a new one-year deal by The Bees at the end of 2014/15.
Mark played 22 games for Hampton last season, kept four clean sheets, and was named Player of the Month for The Beavers for both December and January.
“I really enjoyed playing there,” said Mark. “There’s a big difference between playing Under-21s and men’s football. It was nice that they put their trust in me to go and do a job. It was good that I could still train at Brentford and there was a good understanding between both clubs.”
At stages during last season, he was involved in the First Team goalkeeping unit at the Training Ground, which pitted him against Jack Bonham, David Button and Richard Lee.
“I thought I did well,” said Mark. “Being a young goalkeeper it’s hard to progress. I learned a lot, working with the boys and Simon [Royce]. It’s a good environment and there’s no slacking off. I hope I can improve and push on and see where we go.”
You can watch the full interview with Mark on Bees Player now.