Pacy striker Paul Smyth has returned to Accrington Stanley for a second loan spell from parent club Queens Park Rangers – and hopes he can help Stanley ‘do a Wycombe.’
The 23-year-old was with the Reds in the first season in League One for the second half of the 2018-19 campaign.
He scored three goals, including a memorable one live on TV at the Stadium of Light in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, where he also won the Reds a penalty. His somersault celebration became his trademark.
Smyth was at Wycombe last season as the team, viewed as underdogs by many, won promotion to the Championship via Wembley.
He spent the first half of this campaign on loan at fellow League One side Charlton Athletic, with 14 appearances and one goal.
The Northern Ireland striker has signed until the end of the season with John Coleman’s side.
“QPR wanted to call me back from Charlton and send me on loan again and I spoke to John Coleman and it was just meant to happen, I wanted to get it done, get out and hopefully get the game-time I need and that’s why I came here.
“I weighed up the pros and cons of all the different things and spoke to Coley a lot, there were alternatives but Accrington Stanley are doing well in the league and there are loads of games to play and hopefully I can play my part in them and get them promoted.
“Knowing the staff and quite a few of the team have helped me settle in.”
He admitted that when he first came to Stanley he didn’t know what to expect but two more loan spells have helped his development.
“When I first came here, it was my first loan club from QPR so it was difficult as you come over from Ireland and you want to play for the team you are with but it didn’t happen.
“You have got to go out and experience different things and get experience and that’s what I came here for.
“I have been at Wycombe and it was a good experience getting promoted. Everyone had written Wycombe off and then the points per game helped them in the Play-Offs but then once you are in Play-Offs, if you turn up on day of the game, which we did, results go your way although it was strange to get promoted at Wembley without fans.
“As a player, I haven’t changed, I am very direct, exciting and I will get you off your seat.
“I do come here mentally stronger, there have been tough moments but I have to remember I am doing something I love.
“Once you are on loan and can’t get a consistent run of games your form dips here and there and unfortunately it hasn’t been going the way I planned. “
He only recently came up against the Reds when they beat Charlton, live on Sky TV earlier this month.
“Accrington are a tough team to play, they have their playing style they stick to and that’s what you want at a club.
“We played them when I was at Charlton and they played their style and we couldn’t cope and once Coley gave me a shout to come on loan I couldn’t say no.
“You got to fight and have desire to get into the team and once you get in there you have to keep your shirt.
“Coley told me to come here and enjoy playing football, there is no pressure on Accrington but they are a good team and they are showing it on the pitch.
“I got promoted with Wycombe and it was brilliant so I have had that feeling and desire and drive. To do it with Accrington would be brilliant.”
The full first interview video with Paul Smyth is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!