Following a number of emergency loan spells with the Mariners over the last two seasons, goalkeeper Jackson Smith put pen to paper on a season-long loan at the beginning of January 2026, joining from parent club Barnsley.

Jackson began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, spending 13 years with the Premier League side before signing on a permanent deal at Walsall, following a loan the year prior with the Saddlers. He ended the season by winning the Young Player of the Year award.

Smith initially joined up with David Artell’s squad in October 2024, seeing his emergency loan extended on three occasions, before returning to his parent club.