Chris Smith (footballer, born 1990)

Christopher David Smith (born 12 October 1990) is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Chasetown.

Chris Smith
Personal information
Full name Christopher David Smith[1]
Date of birth (1990-10-12) 12 October 1990[1]
Place of birth Stoke-on-Trent,[1] England
Position(s) Defender
Club information
Current team
 Chasetown
Youth career
Everton
Stoke City
Kidsgrove Athletic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2010 Alsager Town 40
2010–2012 Stone Dominoes 55 (5)
2012–2013 Swindon Town 1 (0)
2012–2013 → Northampton Town (loan) 0 (0)
2013–2014 Kidsgrove Athletic
2014– Chasetown
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23:00, 28 March 2013 (UTC)

Playing career

Smith came up through the youth ranks at Everton before moving to Stoke City's youth system.[2] Upon his release from Stoke City, Smith enrolled at the University of Staffordshire to study a degree in Sports Coaching and Development, sharing his studies with playing for Non-League side Stone Dominoes.[3]

In June 2011, along with 5,000 hopefuls, Smith entered Samsung's Win A Pro Contract competition in a bid to earn a professional deal with Swindon Town. In February 2012, Smith was chosen by then Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio as the competition winner.[4] Di Canio said of Smith, "he looked older than his age. As a right-back he has a fantastic quality. He's not very tall but when he challenges the opponent he has balance. Also, on the ball he is very good."[4]

Smith made his League debut for Swindon in the 0–0 draw at Bradford City in May 2012. In November 2012, Smith joined Northampton Town on loan.[5]

Following Swindon's decision to halve its wage bill over the summer of 2013, Smith was released by the club in May 2013,[6] with Swindon manager Kevin MacDonald saying "the wage bill that was used this season was not sustainable so we have to reduce it. It's just a shame some good footballers have had to be released."[6]

After leaving Swindon Smith returned to his native Stoke-on-Trent and signed for non-league Kidsgrove Athletic.[7] He moved on to Chasetown in January 2014.[8]

References
  1. "Chris Smith". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  2. "Decision time looms for Win A Pro hopefuls". Swindon Advertiser. 11 February 2012. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  3. "Smith takes an educated gamble". Swindon Advertiser. 10 March 2012. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  4. "Stone Dominoes player wins contract at Swindon Town". BBC Football Online. 20 February 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
  5. "Swindon Town's Chris Smith joins Northampton Town on loan". BBC Football Online. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  6. "Swindon Town: Simon Ferry leaves as playing budget is halved". BBC Football Online. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  7. "Two added to squad". Kidsgrove Athletic. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  8. "Saturday's Transfer List". Evo Stik League. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
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