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The 24-year old joined Bolton on a short term deal back in 2001 whilst playing part time for Unibond League side Bishop Auckland. He made his debut on the final day of the 2001-2002 season in a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United and showed a lot of promise in the left wing position impressing the manager Sam Allardyce enough to be offered a longer deal. He continued to impress further when given opportunities the following season in the cup competitions and increased his development with a successful loan spell with Macclesfield Town.
He was given a Premiership debut on the final day of the 2001-2002 when coming on as a substitute against West Ham at Upton Park but the next season saw him make just a handful of appearances in the cup competitions. His performance at the Reebok in a 1-1 FA Cup draw with Sunderland in January 2003 looked to have helped his claim for a permanent Premiership place but injury struck just as his big chance arrived ruling him out of the next game which was against Fulham.
Last season Smith was again restricted to cup appearances for the Trotters appearing in the FA Cup games against Tranmere Rovers accepting loans to both Scunthorpe United and Rochdale in the hope of regular action. Preston took over his contract for the remainder of the 2003-2004 season but North End boss Craig Brown decided against offering the Middlesbrough born ace a longer deal at Deepdale.
Vale Assistant Manager Dean Glover is absolutely delighted to secure the services of Smith and beleives his Premiership experience with Bolton will help the Valiants in their Coca Cola League One campaign next season.
"Jeff is a player with Premiership qualities who has been on the fringe of the first team at Bolton. He has now agreed to join us and we are delighted to have got a player like Jeff." said Glover.