Young defender Andy Smith has progressed through the Tigers’ academy from the Under-9s.

The former Under-18s captain made his senior debut in a 3-2 victory against Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy in January 2021 and signed a new contract later that month.

In July 2021, Banbury-born Smith captained the Tigers in their behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United Under-23s, providing an assist for Tom Eaves in the 2-0 victory.

He spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan at League Two Salford City, making four appearances, before being recalled and immediately loaned out to National League outfit Grimsby Town.

Making 16 appearances for the Mariners and netting in a 2-2 draw against Barnet, Smith helped Town win promotion back to the EFL via the play-offs.

He penned a new two-year contract in summer 2022, with a club option of a further year, and was loaned straight out to Grimsby for their first season back in League Two. In his second spell with the Mariners, Smith made 47 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering one assist in over 3,800 minutes played.

Making his league debut for the Tigers against Cardiff City in December 2023, the defender went out on loan to Sky Bet League One side Cheltenham Town a month later for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign. Featuring alongside ex-Tiger Curtis Davies, Smith made 12 appearances for the Robins.