From 'Ashridge Iniesta' to Bescot - Reece Smith's road to Walsall | OneFootball

Reece Smith has started brightly at Walsall, scoring the equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers. He already has two goals and three assists. According to ExpressAndStar.com, his rise is all the more striking given he bypassed an elite academy.

He began at Ashridge Park under coach Kevin McGill, who felt he stood out and nicknamed him the Ashridge Iniesta after winners. Smith moved to Eldon Celtic at 11, then joined Maidenhead United four years later.

Assistant Aaron O’Brien recalls a tidy first year, then progress as he grew and his 1v1 dribbling became a weapon. Given a senior debut at 18 in 2021 by Alan Devonshire, he learned quickly with regular minutes.

He opened his account in a 2-2 draw with Eastleigh in November 2022 and ended that season on five, later netting against Wrexham live on TV, which O’Brien saw as key exposure. Returns of 11 goals and seven assists followed in 2023-24, then six and 11 in his final Maidenhead season.

He stepped up to the EFL with Harrogate Town in summer 2025, posting three goals and seven assists despite relegation, including a solo strike against Tranmere. McGill later saw him face Lincoln in the Carabao Cup and felt he looked at home, noting a 6ft frame.

At Bescot he has maintained that momentum. O’Brien is unsurprised and backs him to be a fans’ favourite, saying dribblers like Smith are often overlooked yet still get supporters off their seats, citing Jack Grealish.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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