Matt Smith Thrilled to Link Up With Ross McCormack at Fulham

New Fulham signing Matt Smith has revealed how the chance to reunite with Ross McCormack and spearhead The Whites' attempts to return to the Premier League was too good an opportunity to turn down after leaving Leeds United on deadline day.

The 25 year old became the 19<sup>th player to leave Elland Road this summer just a year on from moving to West Yorkshire from Oldham Athletic in a deal worth a reported £500,000.

Smith scored 13 goals in 43 appearances in his only full season at Leeds but following a summer of upheaval which has included the removal of managers Brian McDermott and David Hockaday, the 6 ft 6 ins striker has opted to move to promotion-chasing Fulham.

"It all happened quite late, but that's transfer deadline day," he explained to the club's official website. "I'm absolutely delighted that the deal got done, though, and it goes without saying that I'm looking forward to getting my career at the club started.

"I'm excited by the challenge and hopefully it will prove to be a successful period for Fulham and myself. I have a lot to offer and hopefully I can play my part – as a new player you just want to show what you can do."

The ex-Solihull Moors forward becomes the second player to swap Leeds for Fulham this summer following the departure of last season's top scorer and club captain McCormack.

And Smith has spoken of his delight at his imminent link-up with the Scotland international ahead of the remainder of the Championship campaign.

"Obviously Ross is a player I know very well," added Smith. "We formed a good partnership with one another last season [at Leeds] and hopefully we'll see that again at Craven Cottage. It's a partnership I hope will come to fruition again.

"We've both come in and it's up to us to prove our worth. There are a lot of good players in the squad, and I'm looking forward to working with them all. I scored a decent amount of goals last season, and hopefully I can continue that here at Fulham."