The Wellington Phoenix have made their final signing ahead of their new men’s A-League campaign.
The Phoenix have signed young centre back Jayden Smith to a three-year contract, the first two years of which are on scholarship terms, after he impressed in training with the first team over the past three months.
Smith (17) graduates from the club’s academy, where he has been since the start of last year after playing his junior football for FC Nelson.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano believes Smith is ready to make the step up to the A-League.
“Jayden’s already played three A-League sides in pre-season friendlies and he hasn’t looked out of place,” Italiano said.
“He has real physicality for a young player and his big stature is always good for a central defender.
“Jayden’s also really good with his feet as he’s previously played as a six.
“I feel like a couple of years in this environment will do him the best. If he can get a chunk of games by the time he’s 19/20 he’ll be pushing to be a starter.”
Signing with the Nix is the realisation of a childhood dream for Jayden Smith.
“Since I started playing football, my goal has been to play professionally,” Smith said. “And I’m lucky I got the opportunity at the start of last year to join the Phoenix academy and from there I’ve worked as hard as I can to climb the ranks.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity the Phoenix have given to me and I’m really surprised how quickly it has come, but I try and stay in the present moment and work as hard as I can.
“I’ve just tried to be myself on and off the pitch and show what I’m capable of doing.
“A big thank you to the academy, Chris Greenacre especially, and everyone that has helped me get this far.”
Smith was converted into a centre back when he arrived at the club, having been a midfielder in Nelson.
“The first time I played there I was quite sceptical but after playing there for a few weeks I started really enjoying it.
“My instincts defensively are pretty good, and I like the ball at my feet and try to dictate the game from the back with my passing.
“I look up to a lot of defenders, but the main one is probably William Saliba from Arsenal. I really like how he plays and how calm and composed he is on the ball.
“There’s still a lot for me to improve on and I’ll work hard each day to get as good as I can.”
Standing 1.90m tall is an advantage for the young defender.
“I’ve always been quite tall. I had my main growth spurt when I was 11 or 12 so I was nearly six foot tall by the start of year eight.
“My height obviously helps winning headers, but I think I need to improve my strength. I need to get stronger and get as good as I can in those aerial battles.”
Jayden Smith is the Wellington Phoenix men’s 24th and final signing before they begin their 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season against Western United at Sky Stadium on Sunday October 20, 2024.
Smith will wear the no. 39 shirt for the Phoenix.
This story was first published on October 8, 2024.
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