JONATHAN Smith is enjoying a well-earned break from football.

But the Accrington Stanley defender admits he is relishing the start of the new season and his first taste of Conference football.

"It's nice to have a break and re-charge the batteries after such a long season," said Smith, who flies out to meet up with his Stanley team-mates today on their end of season break in Magaluf.

"I'm glad of the time off but, at the same time, we're all looking forward to the start of next season.

"A lot of the lads have never played in the Conference before so instead we're looking forward to going to new grounds, playing new teams and testing ourselves.

"We start training again on July 1 so we're just making the most of our time off at the moment."

Smith, who has agreed terms for a new two-year deal with the Reds, added he was shocked to receive the Hyndburn Borough Council Citizen's award during Stanley's civic ceremony at Accrington Town Hall on Saturday.

Council chief executive Peter Britcliffe presented him with the honour for outstanding contribution to Accrington Stanley and the community.

"I was a bit shocked but it was really nice to receive it," said Smith, who lives in Darwen.

He is the first person who lives outside the Hyndburn area to receive the award.