Matt SmithOldham Athletic striker Matt Smith will become Brian McDermott’s first signing as Leeds United manager, the club has revealed.

McDermott said he has a “really good vibe” about the 6′ 6″ striker, likening his hunger and development potential to Dave Kitson and Adam Le Fondre, two lower league acquisitions he made while manager of Reading.

24-year old Smith was playing for Redditch United only 3 years ago, followed by spells at Littleton, Droylsden and Solihull Moors, before  the Birmingham-born striker got his big break at Oldham.

Pre-empting concerns that Leeds United will adopt a long-ball game to capitalise on the strikers considerable height, McDermott said “it’s a major asset, but it doesn’t mean to say we’ll be smashing long balls in” outlining Smith’s other strengths, such as his ability to hold the ball up.

Elsewhere, McDermott responded to comments made by Neil Warnock in his latest autobiography.

The former Leeds United boss described a toxic training ground atmosphere, caused in part, by a division and perceived jealousy between first and youth team squads. Part of McDermott’s plan, he said, is to create a “more inclusive” Thorp Arch, removing the cancerous division between Leeds United’s various squads.

McDermott also said he was surprised to find a training pitch “miles short of the pitch at Elland Road.”