Trialist Matt Smith, a one-time Arsenal academy graduate, has moved on from Lincoln City, despite impressing in a recent trial.
Smith appeared for the Imps against Grimsby and Doncaster Rovers, looking neat and tidy on the ball and full of energy in both games. Nothing further has been mentioned, and today, head coach Tom Shaw confirmed that the midfielder has moved on.
“Matt’s moved on,” said Tom in today’s press conference. “He’s got some opportunities to consider. He was brilliant with us, Matt, and gave us some things to think about in his performances.
Game time might have been an issue for Smith. With McGrandles and Varfolomeev comfortable in the midfield together, we do need cover, but potentially not from a smaller schemer. There was no question over Smith’s commitment, though.
Certainly, on his brief spell in front of fans, he won some admirers on the terraces, and he has gone on to other things with an ‘amazing reference’ according to Tom.
“He’s got some opportunities for him that are probably better for him at this point in his journey. We gave an amazing reference to people that called us because he was so good for us in that environment. But he’s moving on from our building.”
Smith came through Arsenal’s academy and was part of the first-team squad without making a senior appearance, collecting an FA Cup winners’ medal in 2020 before gaining League One experience on loan with Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic and Doncaster Rovers.
He left Arsenal in 2023 to join Wigan Athletic, where he made 99 appearances across three seasons, including 85 in the league, scoring three times. He turned down a new deal with the Latics over the summer and earned a trial with the Imps in the hunt for Championship football.
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