Will Smith links up with York City on loan

York City has announced the capture of Harrogate Town defender Will Smith on an initial one-month loan deal.

The 24-year-old arrives at the LNER Community Stadium to bolster defensive options across Neal Ardley’s backline.

Initially starting his youth career at Barnsley, Smith took up a scholarship in 2015 and won Academy Player of the Year for the 2015/16 season.

A spell at National League North’s Darlington followed in 2018, making a total of 14 league appearances and netting once during his stay.

Smith then departed Barnsley in favour of a move to then National League side Harrogate Town.

The defender appeared 36 times in the 2019/20 season for Harrogate before COVID-19 curtailed the season.

After beating Boreham Wood in the play-offs, Smith assisted in promotion to the Football League for Harrogate in their 3-1 victory against Notts County at Wembley Stadium.

Smith also won the FA Trophy with Harrogate at Wembley, in a final which was played considerably late in May 2021 due to COVID-19.

Last season, the defender linked up with Scunthorpe United in February 2023 until the end of the season after initially joining on a one-month loan.

Smith made 13 appearances for the Iron, becoming the first Scunthorpe centre-back since Izzy Iriekpen in 2008 to score in three consecutive games.

The defender netted in victories on home soil against Altrincham (2-0) and Wealdstone (4-1), whilst also netting away from home against Neal Ardley’s former side Solihull Moors.

Smith boasts over 110 senior appearances across his career so far.

Welcome to the Minstermen, Will!