Billy Smith (footballer, born 1882)

William Alfred Smith (April 1882 – after 1912) was an English professional footballer who made 38 appearances in the Football League playing for West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham.[1] He played as a right-sided forward.

Billy Smith

Personal information
Full name	William Alfred Smith
Date of birth	April 1882
Place of birth	West Bromwich, England
Position(s)	Forward
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
	Old Hill Wanderers
	Worcester City
1902–1905	West Bromwich Albion	21	(2)
1905–190?	Brierley Hill Alliance
190?–1907	Tipton Excelsior
1907–1908	Coventry City
1908–1909	Birmingham	17	(5)
1909–1912	Coventry City
1912–1913	Nuneaton Town
1913–19??	Coventry City
	Tipton Excelsior
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Smith was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire. He began his football career with Old Hill Wanderers and Worcester City before joining Second Division champions West Bromwich Albion in 1902.[2] He played 21 league games for the club before dropping back into non-league football with Brierley Hill Alliance.[1] In 1908 he returned to the Football League with Birmingham, where he formed a useful partnership with Benny Green. He lost his place when Jack Wilcox arrived, and moved back to Coventry City. A period with Nuneaton Town preceded a third spell at Coventry.[2]

References

1. Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: SoccerData. p. 245. ISBN 978-1-899468-67-6.
2. Matthews, Tony (1995). Birmingham City: A Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. p. 125. ISBN 978-1-85983-010-9.