Hibernian have moved quickly to add to their goalkeeping ranks following Jojo Wollacott's permanent transfer to Crawley Town in England's League One. 

Jordan Smith, a free agent formerly of Nottingham Forest and Stockport County, is the fourth signing of the David Gray era and has agreed a two-year deal with the Scottish Premiership side, joining Joe Bursik and Max Boruc as the first-team goalies at Easter Road.

Ghanaian internationalist Wollacott penned a three-year deal last summer, reuniting with Lee Johnson, but left Hibs after just eight appearances in all competitions, having failed to dislodge David Marshall and convince the club's hierarchy that he should be the No.1 this season. 

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Smith, who came through Forest's youth ranks, spent time on loan at Ilkeston, Nuneaton Town, Barnsley, Mansfield Town, and Huddersfield Town while attached to the City Ground outfit. He was part of the team that won promotion to the English Premier League in 2022 via the play-offs and also won promotion with Stockport to League One last season. 

Speaking to Hibs TV Smith said: "I'm delighted to be here, it was something that came about pretty quickly - as these things always do. As soon as I learned there was any sort of interest, I was keen to see how far it went and get this thing over the line.

“I am really happy to be at such a big club. Luckily enough, I knew a certain David Marshall – who I played against down south – and he was the one who picked up the phone and wanted to make this happen. As soon as someone like that comes calling, it's very difficult to say no. I came up on Wednesday and had a quick look around and I was taken aback by the level of the facilities, the fantastic city and the size of the fanbase.”

Smith is only too aware that his new team-mates are a few weeks ahead of him in terms of pre-season training but is keen to work hard and get up to the same level. 

“It is nice to join on a two-year deal, it shows great backing from the club and I am delighted with that. As far as I am concerned, the lads have been back in a month and this is my first day, so I certainly won’t be resting on my laurels - I am going to do the best I can, as quickly as I can, to show what I am all about," he added. 

“I am going to try to help increase the level in any way shape or form. As a worst-case scenario, I am going to make sure that we get the best version of every goalkeeper. Whoever gets that shirt and plays – we need to make sure that we are on our game and earn the right to play. That is what I love about football, nothing is given and everything is earned. Hopefully I can help add to the culture and make sure it is a winning culture."

Head coach David Gray said: "We are excited to welcome Jordan to Hibernian. He is a player with good experience playing at a high level in the English Championship and has a strong pedigree and high standards having spent over 20 years at Nottingham Forest.

“He will provide healthy competition with Joe [Bursik] and Max [Boruc] in the goalkeeping department and we are all excited to work with him.”

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “With Jojo Wollacott departing, it was important that we acted quickly to bring in a new goalkeeper to provide competition for the number one jersey. Jordan is an experienced player, a good character, and above all an excellent professional. We are all excited to see watch him progress here at Hibs."