Former Bristol Rovers and Peterborough United star finds new club following Hearts exit

Former Bristol Rovers defender Michael Smith has joined a new club, following his exit from Hearts.

The 35-year-old was on trial at the Gas' League One rivals Cheltenham Town earlier this summer, but did not earn a deal at the Robins, who are bottom of the table. He has remained a free agent after not being offered a contract by Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian at the end of May 2023.

His three-month search for a club has come to an end however after signing terms with a former Football League side and a rival of Bristol Rovers. The 19-time Northern Ireland international has penned a one-year contract with the view of an additional year with Yeovil Town, who find themselves in the National League South which is the sixth tier of English football.

After his move to Huish Park was confirmed, Smith said to Yeovil’s official club website: “Coming in here, it felt like a good opportunity to create something, and help the team get promoted this year.”

“Speaking to the gaffer [Mark Cooper] and the coaching staff, they want to build something here. The club’s probably lower than it should be at the minute but you know with a good squad, I thought it’s a good opportunity to create something and help the team and hopefully get promoted this year.”

“I was moving back to Bristol anyway, that’s where my family home is now. I wanted to be based around the area. I had a chat with the gaffer, came down, seen what it was all about and had a good chat with the staff, trained with the boys and decided ‘yeah it fits’. I’m just looking forward to the challenge now.”

He could make his debut for his new side on Saturday when Yeovil host Stoneham in the qualifying rounds of the Emirates FA Cup.