Lincoln City Trial Matt Smith for 2026/27 Season
Lincoln City has conducted a trial with ex-Wigan Athletic midfielder Matt Smith ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season. The trial came after Smith was expected to leave Wigan Athletic following the expiry of his contract in May, with discussions ongoing over an extension.
Smith featured as a trialist for Championship side Lincoln City on Tuesday evening, playing in the second half of their match against Grimsby Town. Despite being thrashed 5-1, the midfielder played an important role in scoring one goal through a clever pass to Oscar Thorn, which was turned into a consolation by Dom Jefferies.
Matt Smith’s Journey and Future
Smith has spent the last three seasons with Wigan Athletic after joining from Arsenal on a three-year contract. He made 99 appearances for the club and picked up an FA Cup winners’ medal in 2020, though he never played at the senior level for Arsenal.
The midfielder had been offered a new deal by Wigan Athletic but is now preparing to prove himself at Championship level after receiving multiple offers from League One clubs. Wigan Athletic boss Gary Caldwell confirmed that Smith was not involved in pre-season preparations and highlighted the club's strength in midfield with recent signings Max Power and Ryan Trevitt.
Caldwell stated, 'We feel we’ve brought good players in that area of the pitch. I think we’ve signed one of the best midfielders in the league last year in Max Power. I think, whenever I’ve seen him play in League One, one of the best midfielders in Ryan Trevitt, should he stay fit. Jensen Weir was outstanding from February, so I think we’re very strong in that area of the pitch now in that regard, so it’s probably one that’s gone now.'
