Jonathan Smith delighted to be back at York City (From York Press)
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Jonathan Smith delighted to be back at York City
5:57pm Saturday 21st July 2012 in Sport
By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter
JONATHAN Smith is eagerly anticipating his second coming at York City.
Smith, who has rejoined the Minstermen on a two year deal, was unveiled to fans at Bootham Crescent before the start of City's 2-0 pre-season defeat against Oldham Athletic this afternoon.
The 25-year-old, part of Swindon's League Two title winning side last season, has had to be patient as the deal was agreed and some contractual issues at Swindon Town were settled.
But now back at York and boasting not only a title medal but crucial experience in the division which Gary Mills' squad contests this season, Smith said can't wait to don the Minstermen's red shirt once again.
"It's good to be back and I am itching to get out there," he said. "Everyone has been really welcoming to me.
"I spoke to the chairman and he was really keen to have me back as was the gaffer. I wasn't going to get the football I needed at Swindon so the best option for me was to come back to York.
"I would have liked to get it sorted a bit quicker but it wasn't about York. It was more a case of sorting it out at Swindon - bonuses basically.
"I don't think there is a massive difference between League Two and the Conference but there is a little bit there.
"From what I have seen, I think we will do well. The gaffer was a big pull. I have played for him before and I know what he expects.
"I am really excited about the challenge. I wouldn't have come if I didn't think there was a chance of getting promotion. I know the quality of the players that are here and the quality of the manager."
Comments(24)
Meggaz
says...
7:13pm Sat 21 Jul 12
Also fantastic is the hard work of Mr Jason McGill. Well done!
We're going places....
Come on you Reds!!!
haxbyreds
says...
7:24pm Sat 21 Jul 12
YorkCityLuke
says...
7:27pm Sat 21 Jul 12
haxbyreds wrote:Absolutely - he's one of the few players we lost that I would be very happy to take back. Can't wait for the season to start!
Top player great energy one of the best players from our non league days
OLD - HEAD
says...
7:44pm Sat 21 Jul 12
harry dowker
says...
7:44pm Sat 21 Jul 12
Brodes
says...
8:08pm Sat 21 Jul 12
http://www.lancashir
etelegraph.co.uk/spo
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stfcboo
says...
8:32pm Sat 21 Jul 12
OLD - HEAD wrote:sad couple of days for us with smith and connell going, both superb players who paolo thouight had reached their peak in div2.
To be perfectly honest when we sold Jonathan Smith to Swindon Town for £30,000, I personally thought that we had got a good deal. But he seemed to mature at Swindon, and he cut out that hot-headed style. So if he can bring some of that experience back to York City, then he will be a good signing. But I still feel that we need a striker with a bit of presence up front, its a pity that Jonathans old team-mate decided to join Bradford City.
thought smithy was a great prospect along with connell, but we move on with 6 million budget to play with the likes of navarro,roberts,and miller he would find it hard to get a place in paolos eyes.always gave 110% for us and scored 2 great goals.
good luck this season.
YcfcKeepingTheFaith
says...
2:18am Sun 22 Jul 12
brahma
says...
9:23am Sun 22 Jul 12
Brodes wrote:Well he's now clearly on trial with us, since he played yesterday!!
Released by Burnley never played for them. Reported that he was on trial with Stevenage.
http://www.lancashir
etelegraph.co.uk/spo
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AB-
says...
9:33am Sun 22 Jul 12
We do have a lot of midfielders all cannot get a game
ian923
says...
10:02am Sun 22 Jul 12
Boy didn't the pitch look great yesterday-congrats to the ground staff.
I saw Oldham a few times last season and they finished 16th but they looked a decent side at York.First goal was a poor one to give away but it was nice to see the ball on the floor most of the game. Lee Bullock particularly impressive for us and overall I thought we performed well.
dangermoose
says...
10:35am Sun 22 Jul 12
Rumour that City interested in Oxford striker Tom Craddock. Ex Boro and from Darlo.
Knowles looked lively yesterday too.
Reed and Hendo out surely?
joejamestom
says...
10:47am Sun 22 Jul 12
We passed the ball well against a side that closed down quickly & effectively.
Jason tried backing into the huge No5 bounced off. In the second half against their second string players with Reedy, Parslow the trialist & Tom Platt we were more evenly matched.
I liked Lee Bullock too early days & overall a good work out against a physical team which the referee may have been penalizing in a meaningful encounter. Looks like Hendo could be on his way having not entered the game which is unfortunate as he has better to come but I don't think we can wait as we need an alternative when Jason is cancelled out.
yorkshirecalling
says...
10:58am Sun 22 Jul 12
Theredrose
says...
11:23am Sun 22 Jul 12
Second half was three triallists and six teenagers. Our sub keeper is only 17 but looked confident.
Friendlies are difficult to assess really but enjoyed two teams trying to play football. Hope Minstermen have good season, 22nd and above is success in first season back!
duffy
says...
11:53am Sun 22 Jul 12
YO1
says...
12:20pm Sun 22 Jul 12
Theredrose wrote:Very much agree with that objective viewpoint. Our technically better players Walker, McReady, Coulson, Paddy looked might have looked great against non league opposition but looked distinctly lightweight against Oldham. Matty Blair's pace was matched by their full back and all the above were being muscled off the ball alarmingly easily.
Quite pleased with the Latics' performance yesterday. Thought York played decent passing football but you're a bit lightweight up front. Our centre backs - who aren't cloggers - coped easily with the strikers. No height or physique and something you might suffer from in Div 4. Our keeper didn't have a shot on target to deal with till past the hour mark.
Second half was three triallists and six teenagers. Our sub keeper is only 17 but looked confident.
Friendlies are difficult to assess really but enjoyed two teams trying to play football. Hope Minstermen have good season, 22nd and above is success in first season back!
This is a timely wake up call which needs addressing quickly. Smithy will add bite to the midfield and Bullock could turn out to be a shrewd signing with his experience. Reidy actually looked a physical match for their defence yesterday so I hope he takes his chance when it comes. We really need a big strong guy up front to help Jason otherwise I can see him taking a battering this season.
YO1
says...
12:25pm Sun 22 Jul 12
YO1 wrote:I should add it's a long time since we've seen league football and if Oldham are the standard for mid table league one then we've quite some way to go yet. They were strong, composed and technically good on the ball, although perhaps lacking a touch of flair up front.
Theredrose wrote:Very much agree with that objective viewpoint. Our technically better players Walker, McReady, Coulson, Paddy looked might have looked great against non league opposition but looked distinctly lightweight against Oldham. Matty Blair's pace was matched by their full back and all the above were being muscled off the ball alarmingly easily.
Quite pleased with the Latics' performance yesterday. Thought York played decent passing football but you're a bit lightweight up front. Our centre backs - who aren't cloggers - coped easily with the strikers. No height or physique and something you might suffer from in Div 4. Our keeper didn't have a shot on target to deal with till past the hour mark.
Second half was three triallists and six teenagers. Our sub keeper is only 17 but looked confident.
Friendlies are difficult to assess really but enjoyed two teams trying to play football. Hope Minstermen have good season, 22nd and above is success in first season back!
This is a timely wake up call which needs addressing quickly. Smithy will add bite to the midfield and Bullock could turn out to be a shrewd signing with his experience. Reidy actually looked a physical match for their defence yesterday so I hope he takes his chance when it comes. We really need a big strong guy up front to help Jason otherwise I can see him taking a battering this season.
tomwillo1
says...
12:47pm Sun 22 Jul 12
bartsimmo
says...
8:14pm Sun 22 Jul 12
It would prove good business by GM to put a couple of players into League Two whilst we win promotion to bring them back in now we are up there!
uhtred
says...
11:04pm Sun 22 Jul 12
bartsimmo wrote:what good is a striker who got us only 7 goals in open play and can't bring a ball under instant control and only strikes fear when in the mood for it?
Lets bring Rankine back, him up front with a Reed or Walker in a 442 with Blair and Chambers down the flanks would strike fear into many a defence! It would prove good business by GM to put a couple of players into League Two whilst we win promotion to bring them back in now we are up there!
Tug job
says...
12:11am Mon 23 Jul 12
bartsimmo wrote:Let's not.
Lets bring Rankine back, him up front with a Reed or Walker in a 442 with Blair and Chambers down the flanks would strike fear into many a defence! It would prove good business by GM to put a couple of players into League Two whilst we win promotion to bring them back in now we are up there!
KAT1965
says...
9:30am Mon 23 Jul 12
If we have a reasonable season and get above half way then I will be happy. I will be ecstatic if we make the play-off's.
The key to this season will be to maintain and enhance the team ethic we had last season.
tips says...
6:07pm Sat 21 Jul 12