Connor Smith

Scunthorpe United secured the permanent signing of forward Connor Smith during the 2025-26 season, bringing the popular attacker back to the Attis Arena following a highly successful loan spell two years earlier.

A product of the Heart of Midlothian academy, Smith was regarded as one of Scotland's brightest young talents and represented his country at every age group from Under-16 through to Under-21 level. His development was further enhanced through loan spells with Cowdenbeath, Arbroath, Cove Rangers and Queen's Park, where he gained valuable first-team experience across the Scottish football pyramid.

Smith made his senior debut for Hearts at just 16 years of age and steadily progressed through the ranks at Tynecastle. During the 2022-23 season he became increasingly involved with the first team and was named in the club's UEFA Europa Conference League squad shortly before making the move to Scunthorpe United on loan.

His initial spell with the Iron proved an outstanding success. Smith quickly established himself as one of the club's most influential attacking players, registering eight goal contributions in just 16 appearances. His performances attracted significant interest north of the border and ultimately earned him a move to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone in January 2024.

After a brief spell with the Saints, Smith returned to Hamilton Academical on loan before making the move permanent in January 2025. Despite the club's struggles, he emerged as one of Hamilton's standout performers and continued to enhance his reputation as a creative and versatile attacking player.

By the time he returned to Scunthorpe United, Smith had already recorded 10 goal contributions during the first half of the 2025-26 campaign and arrived determined to pick up where he had left off during his previous spell with the club.

Capable of operating as a winger, attacking midfielder or second striker, his creativity, technical quality and eye for goal adds another dimension to Andy Butler's attacking options. His permanent return to the Attis Arena represented a major coup for the club and further strengthened an exciting attacking unit as the Iron continue to build for the future.