FORMER Swindon Town midfielder Jonathan Smith is looking forward to returning to the County Ground after enjoying a special time at the club.

Smith was part of Paolo Di Canio’s League Two title winning side in 2011-12, but found himself transfer listed alongside Alan Connell, Mattia Lanzano and Lee Cox that summer.

He is likely to come face-to-face with his old employers this evening when the two sides go head-to-head in the Checkatrade Trophy second round but has only fond memories of his previous experience at Town.

“It was always a pleasure at Swindon, I had a special time there even though I was only there for a season,” said Smith.

“I was playing for a good club and playing with some really good players. We managed to win the league and get to the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“I learned so much from Paolo. Like anyone will tell you, he was different but he taught me a lot while I was there.

“Signing for the club was a highlight for me. I remember looking around the stadium on my first day and I’ll never forget that.

“Winning the league was an amazing feeling, we did well in the FA Cup too and walking out at Wembley for the club was another highlight.”

Despite his successful stint with the club, Smith was deemed surplus to requirements at the end of that campaign, but the midfielder doesn’t think he has anything to prove as he gets set to return to SN1.

The 30-year-old, who made 38 appearance while at the club, also sees similarities between Swindon’s League Two winners and the current Hatters side, who are sitting fifth in that division.

“At the time, Paolo had his opinions, that was the way it was. I did my best to change his mind because I thought I could kick on. I was desperate to stay,” added Smith.

“I don’t have any hard feelings. Whenever I think of Swindon, I think good things. I still keep an eye on the results and the fans were great with me when I was there, I had so much support.

“Luton remind me of Swindon and that is what I am looking to replicate, we want to get out of League Two.

“We are confident going into any game at the moment, we have a strong squad and a good young manager. It’ll be a close game.”

Smith isn’t the only former Swindon player on the books at Luton, defenders Scott Cuthbert and Alan Sheehan are also at the club.