Jordan Smith’s sending off against Bury on Tuesday night didn’t endear him to many supporters.
Luke Steele’s heroics in the penalty shootout to help us through the Carabao Cup tie have also added fuel to the fire that we could do without the 23-year-old.
The keeper has been Costel Pantilimon’s understudy since the Romanian was initially signed on loan back in late January, and it’s clear his confidence isn’t that high currently. Fans on Twitter are debating whether we should let him go:
Time for Jordan Smith to go out on loan for a couple of years. If he’s not improved by then, then it’s goodbye. One thing is for certain, he’s no where near good enough right now #nffc
— Forest Fanzone (@forestfanzone) 14 August 2018
I think its clear that Steele is the undisputed no.2 to Pantilimon after his penalty heroics against Bury. Nothing against Smith but he’s clearly not yet at the standard we need for a promotion chasing side. Loan move will only benefit him. #NFFC
— ⭐️????????????????????????????Dave????????????????????????????⭐️ (@dj_zotov) 16 August 2018
Agreed… send him over the river to @Bigalanh5 for a season to clock up some game time between the sticks then take another look at him after that and decide if he has what it takes at this level, he needs to be playing regular football
— Mike…nffc (@nffcalways1) 14 August 2018
Another whose just not good enough
— Devers (@xDeversx) 14 August 2018
Get rid
— Scott Lee ???????????????????????????????????????? (@scottylee90941) 14 August 2018
Never will be 24/25 now same age as camp was even we bought him
— Michael Cooper (@mikecoop82) 15 August 2018
Others defended our former number one:
Ok, so Jordan Smith made a couple of mistakes last night. The treatment on here though is bang out of order. He has given nothing less than 100% for #nffc he may or may not be good enough and the only opinion that matters is Aitor’s. Just show the lad some respect.
— Chris Charles (@chazcharles3) 15 August 2018
Smith had a mare. No doubt about it. Just remember Ipswich on the final day though. Some fans have short memories. Is he good enough for an aspiring top 6 team? Probably not. Could he be, given time? Absolutely, if he is allowed to develop. Lay off him, just a bit? #nffc
— Gareth Roberts (@RedDogRoberts) 15 August 2018
It has been a swift decline for Smith after having been first choice at the start of last campaign. At 23, he is still a young shot-stopper and I don’t think there is any need to overreact in regards to his performance.
Any goalkeeper will tell you that they need regular action to stay sharp, and with Steele able to deputise for Pantilimon if needed, there is a strong case to be made for our no.12 to head out on loan and rebuild his confidence.
