Jay to be Notts' middle man

Last updated : 04 June 2007 By Paul Smith

Appearances: 27

Goals: 4

Smith... switched from Southend

Season highlight: Smith scored his first goal for the club in the 5-2 win over Torquay at Meadow Lane, in what was his final appearance of the loan spell.

It had taken eleven games for the attacking midfielder to break his Notts duck, and it was also his first goal since November 2005, after a series of injuries kept him out of the game.

It probably helped Steve Thompson decide to offer him a permanent deal which he happily accepted ending a turbulent end to his time at Southend.

Season lowlight: Smith managed to pick up five bookings - most of which were needless.

Some were poor tackles, another petulance and another ill-discipline.

All were unnecessary and five bookings equals a suspension. He must cut this stupidity out to avoid missing crucial parts of next season.

Best game: Smith was in fine form - along with most of the side - as Notts brushed promotion chasing Lincoln City aside with a 3-1 win at Meadow Lane.

He opened the scoring with a scorching volley from the edge of the box after an Austin McCann corner in the very first minute to silence the 2,500 strong travelling support.

Unfortunately it came so early the cameraman missed out, but Smith made sure he didn't miss the rest of a fine performance as he controlled the midfield with a series of delightful passes and trademark long shots.

Smith...Battling with Mansfield's Jonathon D'Laryea
His tackling was improved too.

The Mad view: Smith improved the midfield considerably easing past both Ian Ross and Dan Martin as the playmaker in the ranks with some quality displays belying his status as a League Two player.

Impressing on loan it was a great coup of Steve Thompsons to tie him down to a permanent, 18-month contract in January.

Smiths range of passing and midfield goal-getting ability will have him down as one of Notts' most crucial players next term.

He will have to be as box-to-box as he was last season when he dominated some games - which is something not seen a great deal from past midfielders at the club.

Rating: 7.5/10