Mansfield confirmed on Thursday that they had signed Jordan Smith on loan from Nottingham Forest until the end of the season, and Town recently confirmed on Twitter that Smith will wear the No.14 shirt. Smith will renew acquaintances with Tyler Walker who made the temporary switch from Forest at the start of the campaign.
The 24-year-old had been short of playing time at the City Ground this season, making just one appearance in all competitions under Aitor Karanka. A lack of minutes led to him joining Barnsley on a short-term loan in November. He featured only once for the Tykes before returning to Forest.
With stiff competition between the sticks from Costel Pantilimon, Luke Steele and Stephen Henderson, Smith has sought out another temporary move away from the Reds. With Jake Kean’s deal not renewed, Smith will now be fighting Conrad Logan for a starting place at Mansfield. Previous first-choice Bobby Olejnik is out for the season through injury.
Smith has made 48 appearances in all competitions for Forest since rising through the youth ranks to the first-team in 2015. While being on the periphery this season, the shot-stopper could work his way back into the reckoning if he impresses at Mansfield. Town are currently fourth in the table and have the joint-best defensive record (19 goals conceded).
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
‘Love it!’, ‘Woohoo’ – some fans are happy as Nottingham Forest man denies exit talk
