Adam Smith, the Bristol Rovers keeper released at the end of last season, is on the verge of making a move to Forest Green Rovers in League Two, as reported by the Stroud News and Journal.

The 26-year-old became the first-choice stopper for Gas in 2017/18, but lost his place last season and made just five Football League appearances, the last of which came on the final day of the season against Barnsley.

6ft 5in Smith began his career with Leicester City, but struggled to impose himself on their first team plans. he made loan moves to Lincoln City, Chesterfield, Stevenage, Nuneaton, Cambridge and Mansfield, but got just five Football League outings under his belt.

A permanent switch to Northampton Town followed where he established himself as their number one, before moving to the south-west.

Forest Green missed out on promotion last season, their second campaign in the Football League. Having beaten Tranmere in the 2016/17 play-off final to emerge from the National League, they suffered defeat across two legs to the same opponents in the semi-final this season.

The Verdict

Forest Green lost stopper Lewis Ward to parent club Reading last week, having seen Bradley Collins go the same way twelve months ago after his loan spell from Chelsea.

Making a permanent signing will certainly give them a boost. Relying on loan keepers is all well and good, but it doesn't promote longevity. Smith has lots of experience under his belt, especially with Northampton, but has been struggling for form with Bristol Rovers.

He sat on the bench as loanee Jack Bonham impressed last season and at 26 he'll be wanting to get some more games under his belt, something entirely possible at the New Lawn.