smith left forest green rovers after signing for conference premier rivals york city on a free transfer for a small compensation fee on 6 july 2010. like his career at forest green, smith also helped york to a credible fa cup run, playing in their five matches before being eliminated in the third round by premier league club bolton wanderers on 8 january 2011. he made 44 appearances for york in 2010–11, in which he scored five goals.