Young forward Harrison Smith became the latest player to make the step up from Boro’s youth academy; signing terms in October 2022. At the time, the second-year scholar had been training with the first team squad. And he clearly made the right impression to be rewarded with a professional deal. But it’s not as if he hadn’t already captured attention prior to his elevation to senior status at the Lamex. The chairman admitted that Premier League clubs had shown the interest in him that’d taken previous youth teamers like Elyh Harrison and Ben Wilmot to a higher level.

Indeed, Wallace said at the time of Smith’s signing: “Harrison has been training with the First Team for several weeks and has shown glimpses of the mental and physical strength required to earn a place in Steve Evans’ squad. We turned down two offers from Premier League clubs for Harrison a couple of years ago, before he suffered an ACL injury that put him out for almost a year. It’s testament to his determination that he’s fought back and earned the respect of the senior pros when he’s joined them.”

Harrison Smith: After Boro’

Smith secured a chance to play regular first team football with a loan move to Worthing during the 2024-5 campaign. He took it well enough; scoring five times in 23 outings (four of which were starts). The loan move was to last for that whole season. Yet, the January window rolled around and an opportunity came to join his hometown club – St Albans City. And so it came to pass; the next step on a promising looking career for the forward.