In the end, he managed to fit in half an hour and was delighted to be back in action after a lengthy lay-off following back surgery.
Smith had been a familiar figure to fans arriving early on matchdays, slogging round the pitch putting in the hard yards in a bid to get fit.
And he admitted it had been a combination of advice from the experts and his knowledge of his own body that finally told him he was ready to play again.
"It was very good - and a bit earlier than I thought - but you have to give it a try," he said. "Until you do you never know.
"I have seen a lot of people about it, wondering whether I am coming back too early, and have been told that if I feel right I can do what I want to do - as long as I am sensible.
"The manager asked me to play a couple of weeks ago but I was not right and he understood that.
"Now I am back, I feel good."
Smith is philosophical about his time on the sidelines and is keen not to keep anything in reserve now he is back.
"You want to get out there when you are watching the games, but that's just how it is," he said. "Footballers get injured.
"Once you come back, you have to get stuck in and get on with it.
"If you worry about the injury you are never going to move on.
"You have to test it, you can't just try to get through."
Smith's attitude is entirely understandable when you consider what he has been through.
"I had the disc shaved off the nerve," he said. "It was painful. You physically cannot do anything - I couldn't work or play football.
"I have not done much for six months."

TOWN have been drawn away to Stamford in the quarter finals of the Unibond League President's Cup.
The tie will be played on Tuesday, December 8.
Full draw: AFC Fylde/Warrington Town v Witton Albion, Belper Town/Chasetown v Grantham Town, Curzon Ashton v Skelmersdale United, Stamford v FC Halifax Town.

TOWN fans wishing to travel to Durham City for Tuesday's Unibond League Cup clash can book their places now by calling 07707 143094 (after 5.30pm). The cost will be £12 and transport leaves the shay at 5.15.