Matt Smith’s excellent displays in the recent St Johnstone revival suggest the midfielder is feeling at home on the park.
The Welsh international is sure that laying down some roots away from the field of play will further enhance the experience.
Smith’s fiancée Emily and their two young children will make the permanent move north to Perth in the New Year.
That will put an end to frequent dashes up and down the country in order to spend time with his loved ones.
Emily gave birth to daughter Evelyn in September. Smith is confident feeling more settled off the pitch will only lead to improved performances for Craig Levein’s team.
That’s an appealing prospect for Saints fans who’ve watched Smith’s creativity and class in the middle of the park become a feature of the ascent to ninth place.
“My family are coming up properly, that’s something to look forward to as we’ll feel more settled,” said Smith, signed by Steven MacLean from MK Dons in the summer.
“I’ve got a little boy who’s nearly two and the little one is 14 weeks.
“It’s been tough living away. But it was always in the back of my mind that the plan was they’d come up after the winter break.
“We are three games away and if we can get three positive results it will be a nice break.
“I’d been travelling up and down a bit and they’ve been up a few times which obviously helped.
“But having the little one quite recently, it’s difficult so we were waiting before they moved up.”
Matt Smith ‘pleasantly surprised’ by quality of Scottish game
Smith was unable to make an instantly favourable impression as Saints struggled earlier in the campaign.
He had scarcely featured in the second half of 2022/23 for MK Dons then close season appointment Graham Alexander allowed him to leave.
The 24-year-old points to fitness issues, as a result of being side-lined down south, becoming a significant negative on arrival in Perth.
However, despite what Derek Adams says, Smith also credits good class opposition for providing him with such a tough introduction.
Smith, who also played for Doncaster in England’s third tier, said: “I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity and the quality.
“Some in England think it’s maybe not at the level of League One or Two.
“From what I’ve seen, it most definitely is. You’ve got some good teams, good players and what I’ve noticed is every game is a battle, not just physically.
“Every team will make it very difficult for you and is so hard-working. But there IS also real quality.
“Personally, the start wasn’t easy, it took me a few games to get going.
“I hadn’t played a lot of football last season. The more I’ve played, the more settled and confident I’ve felt.”
Smith has started all eight matches of Levein’s reign and thanks the new manager for trusting in his talent.
“I can go out there and just be me,” he said. “With no real fear, really, which is very beneficial to me.
“Since the gaffer came in, he’s said to me: Just be yourself, be free and do what you feel like is the best thing. That’s been really good and a real positive.”
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