The 23-year-old centre back had a difficult start to the 2012/13 English Championship campaign with his club sitting at the bottom of the table at the end of October under manager Paul Jewell following a 6-0 loss at Blackpool and a League Cup defeat at Carlisle.
Smith, in particular, encountered criticism from fans in particular and was dropped from the side, replaced by loan player Danny Higginbotham.
Jewell was dismissed as manager and replaced by former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy and Smith was soon drafted back into the side.
In the past six months Smith has become a vital part of Ipswich’s transformation and are now sitting 11th, having lost just one of their last nine games.
Smith, who has made 22 international appearances, has contributed four goals to this campaign says he is delighted with the accolade which he picked up at the Supporters’ Awards night following the side’s 3-1 win over Birmingham at the weekend.
“It’s a proud moment. The fans have always backed me from when I was in the youth team and it’s a brilliant feeling to be receiving this award,” he says.
“I never gave up. I thought at one point maybe my time was up, but obviously I’ve now got myself in the team and hopefully I can go from strength to strength.”
Ipswich Town will play their final match of the season at Burnley this weekend.

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