Johan Smith speaks to the Quaker matchday magazine. This article was originally printed in the Darlington v Chesterfield programme on October 27th.

US winger Johann Smith is the latest player to take on the left-flank position for Darlington this season which has proved something of a headache thanks to injuries. However an eye catching debut from Smith in the 4-0 win over Stockport County suggests that he can fill the gap nicely. He is also looking to hit the goal trail during his stay.

The Connecticut born twenty-year-old has represented his country at youth level and has also ran the 100 metres in 10.5 seconds. A career in athletics could well have been a calling for Smith but football in the states is increasing in popularity all the time. Despite the improvement of England's national spot in his homeland the youngster made the brave decision to move half way round the world away from his family and friends to take his chance in England with Bolton Wanderers.

"I'd been playing football pretty much all my life and I don't see the point in playing for so long and not trying to test yourself at the highest level. I've wanted to test my skills against the best and what better way to do that than by coming to England?" said Smith.

"In the North East of America soccer is getting more and more popular everyday. The influence of track & field and soccer were both there but whatever I chose my family were 100% behind me. That is one thing my family has always been for me, if I want something they are always behind me no mater what it is."

"Of course it is hard been away from my family and there will be hardships during my career. I just have to be a man about it and that is how I was raised. My dad is back in America now and but he was a huge influence on me because he lived with me for the first two years of my football career. He was at every game and he has been a big influence."

Having moved to the other side of the Atlantic fitting in at Darlington shouldn't be much of a problem. Smith has featured briefly in the first team at the Reebok Stadium and also spent time on loan at Carlisle United last season. It is a move he felt plenty of benefit from and he admits he is already feeling the same about his move to the North East.

"This is my second time on loan and I feel I've improved on both occasions. I had a bad injury and this loan move has helped me get back on track. I missed the under twenty World Cup and the start of the season at Bolton which was disappointing. I'm just trying now to get back to my normal self," he said.

"I've come here and I'll just try and do my best. It's a good bunch of guys and a good bunch of footballers. It was easy to fit into the group because everyone is so positive. Whenever you come into a winning side you are expected to win and your performance has to be good to stay in the squad and maintain that winning drive. It is both hard and easy at the same time coming into a winning side," continued Smith.

Smith introduced himself to the Darlington faithful with a good turn in his debut. The winger planted a pin point cross onto the head of Tommy Wright for Quakers' fourth against Stockport County and could have scored. The left footed player caused problems with his pace and looked hungry to get on the scoresheet. He had the ball in the back of net but the referee pulled back play for a foul during the build up.

"It's kind of weird. I am better at dribbling on my left but I shoot better with my right," admitted Smith. "At the moment I can't shoot very well because my injury is holding me back a little - more mentally than physically - but that should change soon. I was still really looking for that goal on Sunday but it didn't come. As a winger though your job is to get the ball into the box and to have the full back being scared of you. I think I did a pretty good job of that on my debut."

Smith's loan deal lasts for a single month but beyond that it is hard to speculate about his future or whether it could be extended further. The winger has already seen Sam Allardyce leave Bolton for Newcastle United and Sammy Lee, his replacement, has also left the Premiership side. It makes looking beyond Smith's loan spell with Darlington almost impossible.

"Things have changed so much at Bolton in the last four or five months. Two managers have left, new staff coming in and others leaving. I am just concentrating on myself. I love Bolton and no mater who comes in and who goes out I will still love them because they are the first professional club I played for. I will always have a love for that club no mater what," said Smith.

Kevin Luff