Mansfield Town’s latest arrival Michael Smith already has belief his new side can go on to do great things this season.

The striker has signed a two-year deal with the Stags as their latest addition to a growing pool of top quality attackers.

Smith joins David McGoldrick in the club’s latest recruitment drive. Mansfield Town are eager to kick on from their impressive 2025/26 season and those looking in from the outside are already discussing whether Stags can challenge for promotion.

Smith, who has experience clinching promotion with Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United, is confident his new side can push on this season and build on their most recent top ten finish.

Michael Smith of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates scoring their second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Sheffield Wednesday FC at MKM Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Hull, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Michael Smith of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates scoring their second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City AFC and Sheffield Wednesday FC at MKM Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Hull, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Speaking in his first interview with Stags, Smith confirmed it was Nigel Clough who sold the move to him.

“I had a really good chat with him and I’m excited to work for him. I know he’s got a lot of experience in and around the league as well.

“The project he is trying to build... He’s establishing the club in League One, and trying to push on for promotion was a big thing. I’ve managed to get a few [promotions] over my career and I’m desperate for another one so to come here and be part of this group is something that I want to achieve.

“I’ve got friends who are fans of Mansfield Town, I’ve known about the area for a long time. I’ve played against Mansfield for years so I’ve always been aware of where the club is in the league. There’s no reason why we can’t push on this season for promotion.”

Smith describes himself as an ‘old school target man’ who likes to get in the box to score goals but he is aware it won’t be an easy route into Clough’s starting 11.

“I saw the lads already here and the signings the manager has made already. I’ve been around long enough now to know that you don’t just go somewhere and walk into the team. You’ve got to earn that starting place and it’s something that I’m really looking forward to doing.”

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