Jamie Smith (footballer, born 1980)

James Smith (born 20 November 1980 in Alexandria) is a Scottish retired professional footballer. He spent the majority of his playing career in his native country with Celtic and Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League. He was also capped twice by Scotland.

For other people named Jamie Smith, see Jamie Smith (disambiguation).

Jamie Smith
Smith playing for Colorado Rapids in 2011
Personal information
Full name James Smith
Date of birth (1980-11-20) 20 November 1980
Place of birth Alexandria, Scotland
Position(s) Winger
Youth career
Celtic Boys Club
1996–1999 Celtic
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1999–2004 Celtic 44 (2)
2000 → Livingston (loan) 6 (1)
2004–2005 ADO Den Haag 30 (1)
2005–2009 Aberdeen 85 (12)
2009–2013 Colorado Rapids 62 (7)
Total 227 (23)
National team‡
2003 Scotland 2 (0)
2004–2005 Scotland B 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10 January 2014
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 10 January 2014

Career

Early career

Born in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Smith started his career with Celtic; a graduate of the club's youth system, he played 66 games (six goals) in all competitions across his five years as a senior player,[1] won three major honours (two league titles and the League Cup in 2001) and was an unused substitute in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final,[2] but limited first team opportunities saw him join Dutch club ADO Den Haag where he spent one season.

Aberdeen

He returned to Scotland in season 2005–06 with Aberdeen. In August 2005, Smith struck a late winner as the Dons defeated rivals Rangers in a league match for the first time since April 1998, wowing the Aberdeen support in only his third competitive game for the club. He was involved in a car crash along with teammate Michael Hart in July 2007, while on a pre-season tour of Egypt.[3] Smith was treated for concussion, while Hart was unhurt.[3]

In December 2007, Smith played a key role in Aberdeen's victory over Danish team FC Copenhagen in the 2007–08 UEFA Cup, scoring two goals in the 4–0 victory that saw Aberdeen through to the last 32 of the competition.[4] Smith's contract at Aberdeen ended at the end of the 2008–09 season and he expressed concern that he had not been offered a contract extension, stating that he may need to look for a new club in summer.[5]

Colorado Rapids

In May 2009, he was given permission to discuss a contract with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC.[6] However, Toronto passed on the signing of Smith and he later signed with Colorado Rapids in July 2009.[7] In his first season with the Rapids he played only four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.[8]

On 28 August 2010, Smith scored his first MLS goal two minutes into a match against Houston in which he was named man of the match.

Smith remained with Colorado through the 2012 season. After the conclusion of the 2012 season, Colorado declined the 2013 option on Smith's contract and he entered the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Smith became a free agent after he went undrafted in both rounds of the draft.

Smith was re-signed by Colorado on 8 February 2013.[9]

On 10 January 2014, Smith announced his retirement from playing and joined Colorado Rapids academy coaching staff.[10]

International

Smith made two appearances for Scotland in 2003, in friendly matches against Austria and Ireland.[11] He later played twice for Scotland B.[12]

Personal life

His brother-in-law, Allan Sieczkowski, is the lead singer of the Scottish rock band Little Eye. Colorado Rapids used their song Burgundy Sky as their official anthem to reflect on their famous burgundy kits.[13]

Honours
Celtic
Colorado Rapids

References
  1. "Celtic player Jamie Smith". FitbaStats. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  2. "Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream". BBC Sport. 27 May 2003. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  3. Grahame, Ewing (24 July 2007). "Rangers go with who they have". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
  4. Lindsay, Clive (20 December 2007). "Aberdeen 4-0 Copenhagen". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
  5. "Smith uncertain on Dons future". BBC Sport.
  6. "Transfer Talk - May 19: who's moving where in the world of football?". Daily Record.
  7. "Smith signs deal with MLS outfit". BBC Sport. 30 July 2009.
  8. Rapids Player Profile.
  9. "Rapids re-sign midfielder Jamie Smith". Colorado Rapids. 8 February 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  10. "Jamie Smith announces retirement, joins Colorado Rapids Academy coaching staff". Colorado Rapids. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  11. "Scotland player Jamie Smith". FitbaStats. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  12. "Scotland B player Jamie Smith". FitbaStats. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  13. "Little eye continue to shine - Carrick Gazette". Carricktoday.co.uk. 19 January 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
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