Lincoln City have confirmed that midfielder Alistair Smith has been loaned out to SkyBet League Two‘s AFC Wimbledon.
The 25-year-old spent part of last season on loan at Danny Cowley-managed Colchester United, but has now joined a fellow fourth tier side for the upcoming season.
Smith will spend the 2024/25 campaign at Plough Lane.
More Than 100 EFL Appearances:
Smith has more than 100 appearances in the English Football League, with the bulk coming in League Two.
He came through the ranks at Mansfield Town, getting his first taste of EFL football before exiting for Altrincham in 2021. The same year he moved onto Sutton United, where he spent his first two seasons in the fourth tier.
The Englishman joined League One Lincoln City in the summer of 2023, making 32 appearances before he was loaned out in January. His exit paved the way for Charlton Athletic central midfielder Conor McGrandles to return to the LNER Stadium, as he penned a loan deal.
Smith’s time at Colchester United brought 15 appearances and two goals.
End of the Road for Smith at Lincoln City?
In the club’s statement, Lincoln City director of football Jez George described the move as a “good solution for all parties”, as he wished the midfielder well in the upcoming season. He also added that the club wish him well for his future career, noting that Smith’s contract expires at the end of the upcoming season.
Reading between the lines, it suggests that Smith will not be seen in an Imps shirt again, with his loan spell to Wimbledon acting as a springboard to a permanent exit from Lincolnshire this time next year.
Surplus to Requirements at Lincoln City – Opinion:
Lincoln City have signed three central midfielders this summer, adding to the already impressive ranks they boasted. Ethan Erhahon, Ethan Hamilton and Jack Moylan all remain at the Imps.
Perhaps, Ali Smith was simply surplus to requirements ahead of the 2024/25 season. There were seemingly six midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order, leaving the Beverley-born man little chance to earn even a sniff of football in Lincoln.