Former Lincoln City trialist Matt Smith has joined League One side Stevenage following his departure from Wigan Athletic.
The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a contract of undisclosed length with Boro, ending a summer spent as a free agent. Stevenage have confirmed that Smith has become their latest addition, bringing considerable third-tier experience to the Lamex Stadium.
Smith spent part of pre-season on trial with Lincoln City as the Imps assessed whether he could strengthen their midfield options for their return to the Championship. He made two friendly appearances for City, including the 5-1 defeat against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
However, the former Arsenal youngster subsequently moved on without being offered a contract. Lincoln eventually completed their summer recruitment with a series of late additions, including Brentford midfielder Yunus Konak on loan.
Smith had become available after his three-year spell with Wigan came to an end during the summer. He made 99 appearances in all competitions for the Latics, scoring three goals, and featured 43 times during the 2025/26 campaign.
The midfielder came through Arsenal’s academy after joining the club at seven years old. Although he did not make a senior appearance for the Gunners, he was named among the substitutes for several first-team fixtures and collected an FA Cup winner’s medal after being on the bench for their 2020 final victory over Chelsea.
His senior experience was initially gained through loans in League One. Smith represented Swindon Town and Charlton Athletic during the 2020/21 season before spending the following campaign with Doncaster Rovers.
He has now made 159 League One appearances across his spells with Swindon, Charlton, Doncaster and Wigan. His move to Stevenage gives him the chance to add to that total while ending any lingering possibility of a return to Lincoln.
Smith primarily operates as a deep-lying midfielder, receiving possession from the defence and looking to progress play through his passing. That profile earned him an opportunity to impress at Lincoln, but his career will now continue back in the division where he has played the majority of his senior football.
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