Connor Smith departs the Iron by mutual consent

Scunthorpe United can confirm that winger Connor Smith has departed the club by mutual consent in order to facilitate his desire to return to Scotland.

Smith returned to the Iron in January of this year, arriving at the Attis Arena for an undisclosed fee from Scottish League One side Hamilton Academical.

The Scotsman returned to the club with a remarkable reputation following his initial loan spell during the 2023-24 National League North campaign. During his first spell with the club, Smith registered eight goal contributions in just 16 appearances for Jimmy Dean's side before returning to parent club Heart of Midlothian, later joining Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone.

Upon his return to the Iron in January, Smith was thrown into action almost immediately as Andy Butler's side continued their push for the play-offs. He went on to feature 15 times in all competitions, playing his part in a Scunthorpe side that ultimately fell to Rochdale in the National League play-off semi-finals.

Although Smith did not feature for the Iron in competitive action this season, he made sure to make his mark during pre-season, scoring twice in the 7-1 victory over Brigg Town as part of a promising pre-season campaign for the 24-year-old wide man.

However, with the birth of his second child in April and a young family to consider, Smith expressed his desire to return to Scotland ahead of the new season.

The club fully respects Connor's decision, with family understandably coming first; hence, deciding that a mutual termination was the best course of action to allow the chance for Smith to return to Scotland, especially with the transfer window closing yesterday for Scottish clubs. As a free agent ahead of the deadline yesterday, Smith is free to explore his options.

We thank Smudge for all of his contributions across both of his spells in claret and blue and wish him the very best for the future!