Liam Smith did not have any second thoughts when the opportunity arose to make the switch to Saints earlier this year.
And, ever since coming in the door, the experienced full-back has been impressed with the togetherness on and off the field of play.
Most recently of Bohemian FC in the League of Ireland, Liam picked up a slight calf issue early in his Perth career but has been back firing fit in recent weeks.
Liam said: “From a personal point of view, coming back to Scotland was good for me in terms of being able to settle and focus on football.
“From the outside looking in, I could see Saints was a team that wanted to do things properly and play in an attractive way. There was ambition there and it was clear to see that the club wanted to push in a forward direction – that is attractive for any player.
“It also always helps when it’s a tight-knit group and we have that here. Everyone is on the same page. I’ve only good things to say about the boys and the staff.
“Even around the stadium, you see more of the staff in the offices on a daily basis and that is a positive thing too.”
Liam has been utilised on both the left and right of the defence.
He continued: “I got that wee injury but I feel I have come back strong. The gaffer put me straight in and I’ve been pleased with my personal contribution.”
In his very early days of football, Liam played a bit further up the pitch before finding his natural position at full-back.
He said: “My earliest memory was going to the football with my dad or playing down the park. At five or six I joined Hillfield Swifts who played in the Edinburgh league.
“I have memories of those early Sunday mornings travelling over to Edinburgh. I have just always loved football – watching it and playing it. All the photos of me as a kid were in football tops.
“Up until about 10 I was a winger. I went to Rangers at 11 and was moulded into a full-back. I’ve floated both sides, right or left.
“I ended up leaving Rangers for Hearts, kicked on and managed to get a full-time contract. But my mum and dad made sure that I stuck in at school and I left with a few highers before going full-time.”
His journey since has taken him to the likes of Ayr, Dundee United and Cheltenham Town.
Liam said: “When you are in the game, you don’t get much opportunity to pause and think about your career.
“But occasionally you will look back at team photos through younger age groups and realise that not many make it – or are even still playing at all.
“That makes you proud of what you have achieved, but I’m only 29 so I still think that I still have a lot to give and can kick on further.”
Liam played a key role last Saturday as the Saints stormed into a four-goal half-time lead against Morton.
He said: “Being 4-0 up at half-time doesn’t happen every week. That was nice. I’m sure for the fans it was nice too.
“It was a really professional performance and exactly what is needed in this league. But coming back home now this Saturday, it’s about putting on another show and going on another run.”
Fans may have noticed a unique celebration between Liam and Jamie Gullan after the latter had found the back of the net at Cappielow.
Liam explained: “Myself and Hammer were sitting beside each other on the bus on the way to the game. A video popped up on TikTok and he said ‘that is the celebration if we score’.
“To be honest, I was thinking it was more likely going to be him than me – and so it proved. I actually had to prompt him to do it!”
Liam is still available to sponsor. Email struanross@perthsaints.co.uk to find out more.
