Tom Smith has spoken to the press regarding his relationship with Kieran O’Hara, what it’s like training with the U’s and what his role will be inside the club.
Colchester United are coming into this game following a run of brilliant form and they will hope to continue that against Barrow on Saturday afternoon.
Tom Smith has been brought in to add some depth and competition to the goalkeeper position, and it came at the perfect time with two of the U’s ‘keepers needing surgery that will leave them out for the season.
“It’s been really good fun [first week of training], I’m settling in well, the boys are really nice, there’s a real team environment here, the staff are great, so yes, really excited and I’ve had a very good first couple of days.
“At the back end of last week, I got the word from my agent and Arsenal saying there’s been a bit of interest and as soon as it sort of developed it was a no brainer, I jumped on it, to get in the league and play for a big club as well, it was a great opportunity.
“The management have told me to come in and try and make as big an impact as I can, train hard, increase the competition, there’s always competition at any football club but me and Kieran will be working at it, me to support him, him to support me and help to get this team back up the table to where it really should be.
“He’s [Kieran O’Hara] been great, we’ve both got similar footballing backgrounds, obviously he’s from [Manchester] United and I’m from Arsenal, he’s a little bit ahead of me in the journey so he knows what it’s like going out on loan to lots of clubs and what it’s like being the youngster in the dressing room.