First Team
Saints bring in young defender on loan
31st January 2017
Tuesday 31st January
Saints have tonight moved to bring 19 year old defender Clive Smith on loan from Preston North End.
The right back has been with the Deepdale side since 2014 and the Lilywhite’s website give the following bio: “After joining the Preston North End Academy as a scholar in 2014, Clive has impressed manager Simon Grayson and has been involved in the first team fold on a number of occasions. The young defender got his first taste of first team action during the 2015/16 pre-season games, where he featured alongside the first team squad ahead of the new season in the Championship.
As he continues his scholarship with the Under 18s, the right-back has been in and around the first team squad throughout the season, and has travelled to a number of away games to gain valuable experience. Smith was rewarded for his progress with his first professional contract at Preston North End in January 2016.”
Tommy Wright says of the capture: “I’m delighted to bring in a young defender for the rest of the season. It hadn’t been our plan but unfortunately Ally Gilchrist has had a significant setback and will undergo further surgery later this week.
“Having committed Liam Gordon and Aaron Comrie to Peterhead for further experience that leaves me with only six defenders for the rest of the campaign. Clive has come highly recommended and will be a good addition to the squad.”