Honest Smith knows he must improve after 'hit and miss' first season at Cobblers

Harry Smith knows as well as anyone that this coming season is a big one if he wants to make a success of his Cobblers career.

The 25-year-old striker, who joined on a three-year deal last summer, is highly thought of by Keith Curle but a combination of inconsistency and injury made for a frustrating first campaign at the PTS.

He still managed seven goals - a decent return given he only started 12 matches in all competitions - and there were fleeting moments of promise, but with the Cobblers stepping up a level this season, and given the lack of attacking signings so far, they need much more from their main man.

"This has got to be a season where I really kick-on," Smith admits. "Personally, I've had a lot of time to reflect on last year and it was a bit of a hit and miss season with injury and loss of form and I was quite inconsistent to be honest.

"I'm my own biggest critic so I don't need supporters and other people telling me where I've gone wrong. I know what I need to do and I see this season as a big opportunity to push on and help the team.

"I've got a bit of temper on me at times, everyone knows that, but I've got to try and calm that down during games because it doesn't benefit the team so staying fit and keeping my temperament on the pitch is key.

"The gaffer's been on to me since we came back in and he's been clear in what he expects from me this season and I expect a lot myself. It's a big year and I'm more than willing to step up the line."

Saturday's performance against Cardiff City was an encouraging start. Not only did he get off the mark with a nicely-taken penalty, he also led the line well and his work to tee up Ryan Watson's goal was exactly what Curle wants from him.

Asked if fans are yet to see the best of him, Smith had an emphatic response.

"One million per cent, no doubt about it," he said. "I received a bit of criticism and stuff like that, which isn't nice to hear, but I can take it on the chin, and I do agree that last year, I didn't get the run of games, but maybe that was my own doing.

"The gaffer this year has told me that if I can get back to the me he knows, he'll trust me so fingers crossed I can get a run of games because I'm confident I can lead the line and score goals for this team."