Former Sheffield Wednesday striker seals transfer to Owls' League One rivals
Sheffield Wednesday will find themselves going up against a familiar face during the 2026/27 League One campaign.
Mansfield Town have completed the signing of former Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith on a free transfer from Preston North End.
Smith, who left Hillsborough last summer after handing in his notice following the non-payment of wages, has joined the Stags on a two-year deal, strengthening their forward line ahead of the coming season.
Despite making 40 appearances in his debut campaign at Deepdale, the 34-year-old scored just three goals, the last of which was plundered as far back as November in a 1-1 draw with Millwall at The Den.
The towering striker, who joined Wednesday from Rotherham United in the summer of 2022, spent three seasons at Hillsborough, scoring 32 goals in 127 appearances. He scored 20 goals in his maiden season as an Owl, playing a vitally important role in helping them seal promotion to the Championship.
As he demonstrated during his time at Hillsborough, he will add a physical presence to Mansfield’s attacking options. He will also provide a wealth of League One experience, having made 266 appearances in England’s third tier during his career.
Commenting on the addition of Smith, Mansfield boss Nigel Clough told the club’s website: “We were a little bit surprised Michael was available. He gives us such a different option to the strikers we currently have.
“He’s a proven goalscorer at this level and I think he will be a very good asset in both penalty areas. Michael complements our forwards very well, and we’re delighted to bring in two experienced strikers so far.”
Wednesday and Mansfield will go head-to-head in the league for the first time since the 1979/80 campaign this season. They are scheduled to meet for the first time this term at Hillsborough on December 29.