By Liam Higgins
Matt Tod-Smith has thrived in his debut season at Cashmere Technical, vice-captaining the side to their first Southern League title since 2021.
As he prepares for the start of the Men’s National League, he’s hungry for more success with the club.
Last year, Tod-Smith (25) captained Christchurch United to a historic treble of the Southern League, Chatham Cup and English Cup.
With head coach Paul Ifill leaving at the end of the season, Tod-Smith felt it was time for a change.
“There were obviously a few changes out at Christchurch United with Paul Ifill and Ekow (Quainoo) moving on. Lots of the playing squad was changing too, so it just felt like the right time for me to seek out a new challenge.”
Tod-Smith had “always admired” rivals Cashmere Technical during his time at United.
“They were always our main rival. So, it was always tempting to go and play with all the good players they have like Garbhan (Coughlan), Yuya (Taguchi), Tom Schwartz; all those guys.”
Main photo: Matt Tod-Smith (centre) now has back-to-back Southern League winner’s medals. Photo credit: Jim Watts Photography / @jimwattsphoto
Cash Tech head coach Dan Schwarz says it was a “no-brainer” to bring Tod-Smith to the club.
“He’s a winner, he’s a champion. He’s got a hell of a record of winning trophies, and if we can surround ourselves with good people, that’s the first thing we try and do.”
Schwarz says Tod-Smith soon became a leader in the dressing room.
“We quickly named him as the vice-captain. He’s picked up the armband a few times, and he’s someone who leads by example. He’s not the most vocal of players, but he leads and shows what he’s up to, and the lads follow him.”
Tod-Smith has “settled in perfectly,” according to teammate Declan Tyndall.
“He’s just got a hell of a personality, and he’s come in and led the team well. He’s improved us immensely.”
It was an impressive debut season in yellow and green for Tod-Smith, appearing in all but one Southern League match and contributing four goals from midfield as Tech went on to lift the title.
“I always measure (my performance) on how the group is going,” Tod-Smith says.
“Obviously, Cashmere being back on top of the league after a couple of seasons without winning has been awesome and I like to think I contributed to that.”
Cash Tech’s star remains Garbhan Coughlan.
The Irish striker scored 26 goals in 10 Southern League appearances this season.
Despite his impressive record in New Zealand, it hasn’t led to interest from professional clubs such as the Wellington Phoenix or A-League newcomers Auckland FC.
Tod-Smith’s football journey has taken him from youth football at Nelson Suburbs to senior-level competition with Tasman United, North Wellington and Wairarapa United.
Now, Tod-Smith believes Coughlan is “more than capable” of taking the next step, if given the chance.
“I’m not sure if there has been a call (from pro clubs). He’s obviously good enough,” he says.
“He is a level above what he’s playing at the moment. But he’s obviously got a family here in Christchurch and works at Cashmere (Technical), so I imagine he’s pretty happy doing what he’s doing.”
Looking forward to next year, Tod-Smith is hungry for more silverware.
“There’s a few more trophies up for grabs. We missed out on the English Cup. So, every year, you want to kind of win everything that’s on offer, especially at a club like Cashmere that’s used to winning everything.”
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Fixture
Game to be played on Sunday September 29, 2024
Men’s National League
Western Suburbs v Cashmere Technical
Endeavour Park, Whitby, 12.30pm
Liam Higgins
Liam Higgins is a student journalist at the University of Canterbury.
This story was first published on September 26, 2024.
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