Andy Smith has revealed that he is set to have talks with Hull City manager Shota Arveladze regarding his future and has suggested that he would be open to the possibility of re-joining Grimsby Town this summer.

The 20-year-old defender was loaned out by the Tigers to the Mariners earlier this year after spending the first half of the campaign at Salford City.

Whereas Smith only managed to make four appearances for the Red Devils during his time at the club, he was deployed on a regular basis by Grimsby manager Paul Hurst.

After featuring on 17 occasions in the regular season, Smith played in all of the club's play-off games as they secured promotion to League Two.

Having now returned to the MKM Stadium following his fruitful spell with Grimsby, Smith will be keen to prove his worth to Arveladze when Hull report back for pre-season training.

Making reference to his current situation at Hull, Smith has admitted that he will have discussions with Arveladze regarding his future.

Speaking to Hull Live, Smith said: "I'm looking forward to going into Hull, meeting the new gaffer, and seeing how it is.

"I'll go in for pre-season and take it from there.

"The gaffer might have a plan for me, he might not.

"We'll see how it goes.

 

 

"Hopefully, I can have another season full of men's games wherever that may be.

"Whether that be at Hull or back out on loan again, that's something I'll look at.

"I definitely wouldn't be against going back to Grimsby.

"From day one there, the club have been so welcoming and so good to me."

The Verdict

When you consider that Grimsby are set to play in League Two next season, a return to the club for Smith may turn out to be beneficial for the defender.

Whereas Smith will be determined to force his way into contention for a place in Hull's starting eleven, there is no guarantee that he will be able to receive the game-time that he needs to make strides in terms of his development next season if he stays at the MKM Stadium.

Keeping this in mind, it could be argued that another temporary exit may be exactly what he needs at this stage of his career.

By delivering the goods on a regular basis in the fourth-tier for Grimsby, Smith could bolster his chances of featuring for Hull's senior side in the not-too-distant future.