Smith heads north on loan

The 20-year-old will benefit from regular match action with the Lancashire-based club, who were promoted after winning the National League North last season.

Smith joined the club from Wrexham last summer and enjoyed a brief loan spell at Cheltenham Town during his first campaign.

This week Smith scored and assisted a goal as City Under-23s won the Gloucestershire Senior Challenge Cup with a 4-2 victory over Cirencester Town.

Loans manager and club ambassador Brian Tinnion said: “AFC Fylde is a very progressive club who train full time and have excellent facilities. We think this is a perfect opportunity for Jonny to continue his development as a player.”