Born in Stockton, Connor came through the youth system at Hartlepool United before being promoted to the first team for the 2013/14 season. In 2016, Smith would join Whitby on a one-month loan deal.

He left Pools for York City in 2017 and had a second loan spell with the Seasiders before being released from the Minstermen at the end of the season.

After a season-and-a-half on Frickley Athletic's books, Smith moved to Marske on a permanent deal in February 2020 and had a productive spell at Mount Pleasant, forming part of the team which won promotion to the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2021.

And having enjoyed a three month loan spell with Town earlier this season, Smith now swaps Marske for the Towbar Express Stadium and joins Nathan Haslam's side for the rest of the 2023/24 campaign.

Smith said: "The first month of the season at Marske wasn't great for me so I was happy to be back out there playing on loan at Whitby.

"I know a lot of the lads and I've played with the majority of them as well. It was nice to come back to the club.

"I think me coming to Whitby permanently is a much better situation for everyone involved. Everyone can move forward now."

Nathan Haslam said: "Connor settled in very well during his loan spell and I believe that he got better as time went on.

"He's had a hard time this season and was training alone at one point which is mentally demoralising.

"I'm sure he'll be a great addition to the squad for the remainder of this season."