A self-confessed ‘horrible striker’, the 32-year-old has made a name for himself over the years for his powerful front play and becomes manager Mark Clifford’s fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Brad McGowan, Stern Irvine, Adam Chapman, and Anthony Dwyer.

Smith will be very familiar to home fans for the goals scored against us for the likes of Grantham Town and Gainsborough Trinity in recent seasons, and boasts Boston United, Stamford, King’s Lynn and Brackley Town, among others, as former clubs in an impressive résumé that has spanned 16 years.

With further additions expected throughout pre-season, United’s senior officials now feel a re-invention throughout the club after a poor last season and go into the new Southern Premier League campaign re-invigorated and with renewed optimism.

Of the signing, Clifford said: “After meeting with Gregg at the weekend it was clear that he has exactly what we need on the pitch.

“Whilst we all know Gregg’s attributes, we have also signed a real leader off the pitch. We had a really open and honest conversation and, following that, I was left in no doubt that he was the man for us.

“Frecks has managed Gregg before and knows we have possibly got him at the best part of his career, and we were both impressed by his attitude to football, and his aspirations were crystal clear.

“As we move closer to the start of pre-season, I’m really excited by the group that we have assembled. We have competition for places throughout the squad and the group will know for sure that, if they are in the starting line-up come the August 6, they would have earned that spot.

“It’s a great situation for us to be in and not one I’ve had at Basford since my return.”

Describing his own style to Lincolnshire Live back in 2017, Smith, said: “I am a horrible centre forward and I love to give defenders a horrible afternoon.

“I think I’m quite a unique footballer. I love scoring goals, but I also like to go out and bully people, kick defenders and generally give them a horrible time.

He recently added: “I’m really excited to join Basford and I certainly have a point to prove for myself.

“I’m very unique and wear my heart on my sleeve - I can’t wait to get going now.”

Pre-season is expected to start on Saturday, June 25, and the first friendly will be at home against Clifton All Whites a week later (1pm).

All home friendly matches will be included in our season ticket fixtures, and you can purchase yours now at: https://www.bufcclubshop.com/product-page/2021-22-season-ticket