Jordan Smith revealed what “weapon” he has that enables him to perform well at Mansfield Town. The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has impressed since joining Town on loan for the rest of the season and believes his qualities are perfectly in line with the manager’s philosophy.
He said to Nottinghamshire Live: “There is no secret that we’re a good football team. It’s important for us now that we do it more often, show more of it, and get the success that it brings. Ultimately, that starts with me, with the ball at my feet or at my hands.
“It’s a little bit of a weapon of mine, and something that the manager encourages. We have the attacking flair and we have the pace to just let (the players) free. I just try to keep the back door shut and let them do the scoring.”
Smith has made eight league appearances for Mansfield this season, keeping two clean sheets and conceding seven goals. With Costel Pantilimon being first-choice between the sticks at Forest, the 24-year-old struggled for playing time and sought out loan moves to continue his development elsewhere.
The Englishman initially joined Barnsley on a short-term loan deal in November before joining Town two months later, and it appears he has no regrets over the move. Smith reunited with Forest teammates Tyler Walker and Jorge Grant upon his temporary switch to Field Mill and he could be leading the side to promotion as things stand.
Town are currently third in League Two with 58 points from 33 games this season and are two points clear of the playoffs. They are coming off the back of consecutive defeats, however, so Smith and his teammates can’t afford any more dropped points with MK Dons breathing down their necks.
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