view Smith's match-by-match record
 
Matt SMITH

An Arsenal youth team player and an FA Cup winner as an unused substitute months earlier, Smith joined Swindon on a season long loan ahead of the 2020/21 season as part of Town’s commitment to loan only Smiths - Johnny, Tyler and Matt all being on the books at once - and Czech loan keeper Matej Kovár also translating directly as Matthew Smith!


One of only two senior central midfielders in the squad after Jordan Lyden was injured, Matty Palmer was loaned to Wigan and Michael Doughty left the club, there was a lot of pressure on Smith and Anthony Grant to gel as a partnership and carry Town through until the January transfer window. Surprisingly, it was the younger man who looked significantly more comfortable at League One level, and after debuting in the EFL Trophy against West Brom U23s was a regular and effective presence in Town’s midfield.

Smith’s league debut came in Town’s first game back in League One, a 3-1 win over Rochdale in which he scored Town’s third goal shortly before half time. His start to the season was exceptional and despite still being a teenager, he was the standout player in the Town team with his ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute in attack and defence. His performances did start to tail off a little into the winter months, probably due to sheer exhaustion as Town’s lack of numbers on midfield meant he had to play every minute of every game, not being subbed off as a Town player until January 9th despite the severe schedule.

With Matty Palmer returned from his loan at Wigan and Jordan Lyden fit again, it seemed Smith would get some well earned rest and be ready to lead Town’s attempts to stay up - but on the transfer deadline day on February 1st, the surprising news came that Smith’s loan spell was to be terminated, and he would instead move on loan to League One rivals Charlton. Town fans were shocked and saddened by the move, and doubly so once it became clear that Diallang Jaiyesimi would also be joining him on the drive down the M4 to The Valley. Smith’s second half of the season at Charlton was less impressive, and he made only eight further appearances, and ended the season playing for their U23s, but his exceptional performances made him many people’s pick for Town’s Player of the Year award despite not having played for Town for half the season.

PLAYING RECORD:

Season LEAGUE FA CUP LEAGUE CUP OTHER TOTAL
Played Gls Played Gls Played Gls Played Gls Played Gls
'20/'21 22 (+2) 2 1 - - - 2 - 25 (+2) 2
TOTAL 22 (+2) 2 1 - - - 2 - 25 (+2) 2


TRANSFER INFORMATION:

DATE IN/OUT TRANSFER DETAIL
15 AUG 2020 IN Arsenal
(loan)
1 FEB 2021 OUT Arsenal
(loan return)


full name

Matthew Gerrard Smith


 ENGLAND

date of birth
5 October 2000


             
             
           
             
             
             

usual positions
central midfield