Dean Smith (footballer, born 1958)

A forward, Smith began his career in the youth system at hometown First Division club Leicester City in April 1975 and progressed to sign his first professional contract in December 1976.[3][4] Smith had to wait until September 1977 to make his first team debut, which came when he replaced Eddie Kelly during a 5–1 defeat to Everton.[5] Smith's most notable moment in a Foxes shirt came on 23 March 1978, when he scored his only goal for the club in a 3–2 defeat to Manchester United.[6] Smith made 10 appearances during the 1977–78 season, but departed Filbert Street in October 1978 after failing to make an appearance during the early months of the 1978–79 season.[3]

During the English off-season in the summer of 1978, Smith moved to the United States to join North American Soccer League club Houston Hurricane on loan.[2] He scored six goals in 17 appearances for the Hurricane in a disappointing 1978 season,[2] which saw the club finish bottom of the American Conference Central Division.

Smith signed for Third Division club Brentford for a £20,000 fee in October 1978.[7] He made something of a breakthrough into the first team, making 26 appearances and scoring eight goals during the 1978–79 season.[8] Smith made a further 25 appearances during the 1979–80 season,[8] but the arrival of Fred Callaghan as manager changed the team's style of play and he drifted out of the first team picture.[7] Smith departed Brentford in February 1981, after being suspended by the club for a breach of discipline.[4] He made 61 appearances and scored 17 goals during his time at Griffin Park.[8]

After his departure from Brentford, Smith dropped into non-league football and played for Nuneaton Borough, Shepshed Charterhouse, Enderby Town, Hinckley Town, Corby Town, St Andrews and Oadby Town.[4]