Harrogate Town defender Will Smith has put his return to the side down to 'mental strength' after he was dropped from the starting eleven.
Harrogate Town defender Will Smith has put his return to the side down to 'mental strength' after he was dropped from the starting eleven. The versatile defender was dropped in favour of Rory McArdle earlier this season and was often left out of the squad entirely. But Smith has played 90 minutes in the last five consecutive games for Town as they continue their climb towards the League Two summit. Talking about being left on the bench, he told Your Harrogate:
Smith put his return to the side down to hard work - both on the mental and physical side of football. He added:"It’s very tough mentally. When you’re not involved and not playing you do want to be that player on the pitch that’s involved and taking part.
"You’ve got to stay focused, be ready at all times and stay mentally prepared for when you are called up.
"At the time its not nice but when you look back, its done me there world of food because I’ve seen the other side of the game which has helped me on the pitch now.
"All in all it's been a good test for me mentally and made me better as a player."
Town visit Hartlepool in League Two this weekend who are yet to lose a game at Victoria Park. But Smith believes Town can repeat the feat of last season and leave the North East with three points. He said:"I’ve been doing both sides - making sure I’m mentally ready for it but also on the training pitch as well.
"I've been making sure I’m still sharp and working hard in the gym."
Listen to the full chat as Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton spoke to Town defender Will Smith: [audio mp3="https://vouchers.yourharrogate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WS-Pre-Hartlepool-231021.mp3"][/audio] Harrogate Town visit Hartlepool's Victoria Park stadium on Saturday 23rd October. Kick off is at 3pm. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here."It’s going to be a tough game. They haven’t lost at home this season and they’ve got a good crowd behind them as well.
"I do think we can go there and do a professional job on them, get the win and come away with the three points.
"We’ve been there before and got a good result so we can do it again."
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