Mansfield Town sign former Sheffield Wednesday and Preston striker Michael Smith
Mansfield Town have confirmed their latest summer signing as Michael Smith joins the club from Preston North End.
Smith is the latest addition to Nigel Clough’s side as the manager looks to deploy a well-stacked attacking line for the 2026/27 season.
The 34-year-old has penned a two-year deal with Stags, joining the ranks on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with former club Preston North End.
Smith brings a wealth of experience to the One Call Stadium, having made more than 500 senior appearances throughout his career so far. The striker is well versed in League One and the Championship, having represented the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth, Rotherham United and most recently Preston.


Smith spent the last two seasons in the Championship with the Lilywhites. Prior to that, he scored 16 goals in Sheffield Wednesday’s 2022/23 League One campaign, and 18 before that with Rotherham in 2021/22.
The 34-year-old won promotion to the Championship on three occasions between his time with the Owls and the Millers. He was also named Rotherham’s Player of the Season in 2022.
With promotion experience and goal-scoring ability in his locker, Stags are delighted to get the signing of Smith over the line.
“We were a little bit surprised Michael was available,” Clough said. “He gives us such a different option to the strikers we currently have. He’s a proven goal-scorer 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.”
Smith follows fellow striker David McGoldrick to Mansfield Town as the club look to build on last season’s impressive tenth-place finish.
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