'His experience, calibre and leadership will boost us'

Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith has spoken of the importance of adding Fulham defender Tim Ream to his squad.

The 36-year-old has ended his nine-year spell at Fulham to sign a two-year deal at one of Major League Soccer's newest franchises, with an option for an extra year included.

He will link up with former Aston Villa, Leicester and Brentford manager Smith, who told BBC Sport: "I felt we needed more national team and American players in the squad. We haven't got the biggest American numbers in the squad, but it's for obvious reasons because we are a new club.

"The top Americans are the more expensive ones to take and as a new club we probably had to throw our cast further afield.

"Now we are two and a half years old and we have got the chance to go and sign a top Premier League player and he's coming in as a member of the men's national team.

"His experience and calibre and his leadership are certainly something that will boost us in the dressing room."

Ream revealed his aims were to push towards the play-offs and fight for Charlotte's first trophy and he could make his debut against New York Red Bulls on 24 August.