having been transfer listed by swindon at the end of the season, smith returned to york city after signing for the newly promoted league two club on a two-year contract on 21 july 2012. he made his second debut for york in their match away at league one club doncaster rovers in the league cup first round on 11 august 2012, which they lost 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out following a 1–1 draw after extra time. he then played in york's first football league fixture since their promotion, a 3–1 defeat at home to wycombe wanderers on 18 august 2012.