Stephen Robinson delight over Aberdeen signing he previously 'wasn't in a position to afford'

The 26-year-old has been on the Robinson's radar for some time with the Northern Irishman revealing he tried to sign the player for St Mirren but "wasn't in a position to afford him".

Robinson will now finally get the chance to work the former Scotland youth international after Smith chose to make the move to Pittodrie despite interest from elsewhere in the Premiership and the EFL.

"We're delighted to bring Lewis to Aberdeen because he was a player we really wanted," Robinson said.

"As soon as Topi Keskinen's move was completed, Lewis quickly became our priority, and we're pleased to have got the deal done.

"I've admired Lewis for a long time and tried to sign him at previous clubs, but I wasn't in a position to afford him.

‘Right on our doorstep’

"He's consistently impressed us whenever we've watched him, but what really stood out was that the numbers backed up exactly what our eyes were telling us. Some of the performance data our recruitment department track placed him among the best wide players in the Premiership last season.

"We can all overlook what's right on the doorstep at times. Lewis has proved over several years that he can perform consistently in this league and we believe there is still plenty more to come from him.

"Dons fans can expect an energetic, attack-minded winger who is deceptively quick, works tirelessly for the team, is comfortable with either foot and carries a genuine goal threat.

"He finished as Livingston's leading league goalscorer last season despite playing predominantly in the wide area, which tells you a lot about the attacking qualities he'll bring.”

Smith came through the academy at Hamilton Academical, where he was a teammate of former Dons midfielder Lewis Ferguson before both progressed into the first team. He becomes the Dons' 10th signing of the summer after signing a three-year contract:

"I’m so excited to finally get it done," Smith said. "“It’s taken a few weeks to get here but I’m happy to have finally arrived and buzzing to get going.

“This is a massive club, the fans are incredible. I actually made my debut at Pittodrie, so I know what the atmosphere is like.

“I’m looking forward to working with the manager. He talked so passionately about what he is looking to achieve here. I think he will know how to get the best out of me.

“I want to bring excitement to the fans. I am direct, I can create chances and score goals. I’ve played a lot of football and hopefully I can continue my development at Aberdeen. I know I’ve got a lot more to give.”