Vital Swindon’s first edition of ‘Time at Town’, our new feature piece for the 2012/2013 campaign.
The tough-tackling central midfielder was Paolo Di Canio’s second signing as manager, when he joined Swindon from York last summer, going on to play 37 times for the Robins in all competitions, scoring 3 goals in his solitary season at the club
The 25 year-old from Preston helped Swindon to the League 2 title last season, as well as playing a major role in getting the Wiltshire club to Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
However Smith was sold back to York City last week, and Vital Football caught up with him at the Gateshead International stadium, shortly after Smith helped his new club to a 2-0 victory over Gateshead. He spoke to us about how he felt his time at Swindon went, and told us what attracted him to the club in the first place.
NDL95: So Jonathan, what had you heard about Swindon Town Football Club before you joined?
JS: Well obviously it was a big club, so as soon as there was a chance of going there, I knew it would be a great chance of playing in the Football League, but obviously I`m back at York now, so I`m fully focused on that.
NDL95: So being a northern lad, what was it like moving down south away from Yorkshire and living in Swindon?
JS: [pause] I have no real problem with moving around, whether it is north or south, whatever is best for my football, so no, I had no problem moving down south to Swindon.
NDL95: So what did you think of the club`s fans, and their support for you and the team at every away fixture?
JS: Oh yeah the fans were absolute quality, their encouragement for me was fantastic, and I will always be thankful for that.
NDL95: Did you make any new life-long friends from your time with Swindon?
JS: Yeah I made a lot of friends, a few that I still keep in touch with, but I know that I always gave it my all there, so all the lads seemed to be really good to me.
NDL95: Now I know there have been a few, but what would you say was your most memorable moment during your time at Swindon?
JS: It would probably have to be the moment when we actually sealed the Championship if I`m honest, because until you have it sealed, you dare not celebrate, but when we managed it, it was a very special moment.
NDL95: A brilliant moment for every Town fan too! So are you happy with what you managed to achieve in your time in Wiltshire?
JS: Oh yeah of course. I gave it my all in every game, and in my mind, I know as long as I give it 100%, I can never be disappointed with myself, and never regret anything.
NDL95: I think all Town fans can agree that you always put in tireless shifts for the team. On a final note, a question all Swindon fans want to know, where do you keep your League 2 winners medal?
JS: [laughs] I keep it at home with my family. I keep it close to me obviously, but I look at it now and again when times aren`t great, but there will always be a place in my heart for Swindon.
NDL95: Brilliant stuff, thank you very much for giving a few minutes of your time to talk to us, and all the best for your future with York!
JS: Cheers thank you very much.
