Forge FC coach Bobby Smyrniotis hinted there could be a coming home party Thursday at Tim Hortons Field for two local products who have spent most of their careers outside Ontario.

Speaking to CanPL.ca ahead of Thursday’s historic series of player announcements, Smyrniotis gushed about a pair of players who will become Forge FC’s first in club history.

“We’ve selected two guys with pedigree and very good experience at many levels of the North American game,” Smyrniotis offered.

Both players have international experience, according to Smyrniotis, with one of them gaining senior team appearances.

“He’s ready to lead and ready to push this next group of players to greater success,” Smyrniotis added. “He has had rough times, he has had good times, he has been in dressing rooms with many different players at many different levels. His biggest lure to coming back here is helping this game grow in Canada.

“Being able to have a player who can be the brains behind things in the attack is very important (for the way we want to play).”

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Additionally, Smyrniotis believes he’s found a player to convert those chances.

The versatile attacker has experience playing on both wings, leading the line or operating as a withdrawn striker.

“His ability on the ball is fantastic — the way he is able to beat players down the wing or through the middle is great,” Smyrniotis said.. “His combination play is fantastic as well.”

His familiarity with the duo should create an immediate club identity in The Hammer.

“I think they will set the groundwork for something that’s going to be successful over the next couple years,” Smyrniotis finished. “They’re going to be an instrumental part of the team in Year 1.”

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