National League side York City are set to hold talks over Harrogate defender Will Smith, as reported by The York Press.
York boss Neal Ardley is keen to bring Smith back to the National League side. The side are short at the back after losing the defender to a knee injury. After spending two months on loan with the club, Smith made nine appearances for Ardley’s side. However, following an injury he picked up in November, the defender returned to parent club Harrogate Town. In his nine appearances for the club, the side kept one clean sheet.
The 25-year-old is set to return to training with the League Two club this week. That news has boosted Neal Ardley’s hopes of resigning the defender on loan this January.
Smith had fallen down the pecking order at Harrogate Town, opening the door for a move. After news emerged in the summer that the club was open to offers for the 25-year-old, York City swooped and secured the defender on loan. The Leeds-born defender spent time on loan in the National League last season with Scunthorpe United.
The 25-year-old joined Harrogate in 2019 and, in his first season with the club, helped them win promotion to the Football League. Since then, they have established themselves as a Football League side. Smith has been a big part of that, with six goals in 103 appearances.
Not only could Smith make a return to Ardley’s York City, but the defender’s contract is up next summer. As things stand, he is set to be a free agent next season.
Writer’s View
Smith was part of an impressive back five during his time at York. You can only imagine after not playing for so long with Harrogate Town that he was enjoying his football, meaning that injury could only be a bigger blow to him. If he is not going to get playing time, the challenge at York City could be his next step in the game, and he could help them achieve a feat he has already managed with Harrogate Town.