Chesterfield sign former Lincoln City goalkeeper Grant Smith

Grant Smith, pictured playing for Lincoln City, has signed for Chesterfield.

The 27-year-old, who was a free agent, signed before Wednesday night’s FA Trophy win against Boston United but could not play in the game, although he was part of the pre-match warm-up.

He is set to make his debut against Wrexham on Saturday as number one Kyle Letheren is ill.

With Letheren out and Luke Coddingon injured, young stopper, Dylan Wharton, 18, was given his debut against Boston United in the FA Trophy and was the hero in the penalty shootout victory.

Smith, who came through the Reading academy before signing professionally with Brighton, was let go by Wealdstone in November to balance the books during the pandemic.

In recent years, the stopper has most notably been at Lincoln City, where he won promotion from League Two in the 2018/19 season. His other clubs include Boreham Wood, Bognor Regis Town and Hayes & Yeading United.

Smith, who also represented England C, was training with Southend United before he signed for Wealdstone.

On the decision to release Smith, Wealdstone manager, Dean Brennan, told the Brent & Kilburn Times: “I wish him well, he’s been very professional in his time with us, we didn’t get the opportunity to see him as for me he’s a top National League goalkeeper.

“Certain reasons why he didn’t play and that’s the way that’s gone, and I understand from the board’s point of view as I run my own business as well.”