Sam Surridge knows what his job is with Nashville SC. The new Designated Player didn’t beat around the bush in his introductory press conference.
“[Gary Smith] said you’re going to get loads of chances and I’ve just got to finish them off,” he told local media on Thursday evening. “Ultimately I want to score goals, and hopefully that’s what I can bring to the team. That’s my job and I’m excited.”
Nashville have been searching for a consistent goal scorer from the number nine position since they debuted in MLS back in 2020. Surridge is the third DP striker they’ve acquired, and with add ons to his reported $6.5 million transfer fee potentially making him the club’s most expensive player, expectations are high for the former Nottingham Forest striker.
“I left Nottingham, it was a great club, and I left with my head held high,” he said. “The fans there, they appreciated my hard work. Here I think I’m going to do the same. I’m going to work hard and whenever I get my chance I’m going to score… Hopefully I’ll go on to break records here.”
The process to sign Surridge was a long one, dating back to well before the 2023 MLS season kicked off, and involving the collaboration of the entire coaching and technical staff. And throughout the process, Surridge’s role was clear: compliment Hany Mukhtar.
“He’s an amazing player,” smiled Surridge. “I think the reason Mike wanted to bring me in was to try and compliment his play, not just my own. I think we can work really well and feed off of each other… He’s a great player, reigning MVP, looking to do it again, and hopefully I can help him do that.”
With his debut hopefully set to come in the Leagues Cup knockout rounds next week, Surridge is ready for the challenge.
“There’s going to be bumps along the way. I know that, I’m not naïve. But I’m excited for the challenge.”
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