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The Fury’s loss has again been the Roar’s gain after defender Matt Smith linked with former North Queensland teammate Shane Stefanutto at A-League club Brisbane.
Just days after Socceroos defender Stefanutto inked a three-season deal with Brisbane, the Roar announced Smith had been locked up for the next two.
It has been a good news week for the Roar.
Apart from the player signings, the Roar’s owners earlier this week pledged their long term support for the battling club.
Following months of speculation regarding the club’s financial plight, Emmanuel Drivas, Emmanuel Kokoris, Claude Baradel and Serge Baradel on Monday “guaranteed their support for the foreseeable future”.
Smith, 27, cemented his spot in the Fury defensive line after initially being plucked from the Queensland State League and joining North Queensland as injury cover.
The Fury have had a tumultuous off-season with coach Ian Ferguson leaving the club and founder Don Matheson also cutting ties after reportedly losing $4.5 million in their debut season.
The likes of former Socceroo Paul Okon and ex-Roar mentor Frank Farina have been linked to the Fury coaching job.
Former A-League boss Archie Fraser has taken over a new role with the FFA overseeing Queensland’s embattled A-League clubs, with his focus on the Fury.
When the Roar coach Ange Postecoglou came calling, Smith described it as an offer “too good to refuse”.
“Once Ange made contact there was no hesitation in taking the chance to join the club,” Smith said.
“At 27 I’m not one of the younger players anymore, so I really want to take the opportunity to become an onfield leader.
“I want to try and establish myself in the starting 11 and really help out some of the younger players.”
Postecoglou said Smith brought quality and experience to their defensive ranks.
“He plays with the passion and commitment that I am sure will be appreciated by his team-mates and Roar fans,” he said.
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