With Smith making a permanent return to Dean Court, the 22-year-old is quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying about his move: "This is what I need because, hopefully, I will get some games to improve myself and help the club move up the table. I am happy to have it all finalised and just want to get started. I know the club, the town and some of the lads from when I was here before so this will be a good move for me. I have been at Millwall, Leeds and recently Derby, which meant the last few years have been a bit up and down. I am 22 now and just wanted to be settled and playing regularly. I have had seven loans and was looking to stay at one club for a while. At this stage in my career, I need to have a home. Hopefully, I can do that here because I am here for the long term and want to help Bournemouth be successful".