 On 13 June 2018, Smith's return to The Lamb Ground was announced as the new joint manager of the club's under-21 side, working alongside Gareth Zimmerman.Following the dismissal of first team manager Dennis Greene on 20 January 2019, the following day Smith alongside Andrew Danylyszyn were put in charge as caretaker managers.The management duo's first game in charge was a 2–2 draw with Bedworth United.