George Smith (footballer, born 1879)

George Smith (12 July 1879 – 3 July 1908) was an English professional footballer who played for several clubs at the beginning of the 20th century.

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

George Smith
Personal information
Date of birth (1879-07-12)12 July 1879
Place of birth Preston, England
Date of death 3 July 1908(1908-07-03) (aged 28)
Place of death Southampton, England
Position(s) Half back, inside forward
Youth career
Leyland
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1899–1901 Preston North End 28 (1)
1901–1902 Aston Villa 5 (0)
1902–1903 New Brompton 30 (10)
1903–1906 Blackburn Rovers 58 (4)
1906–1907 Plymouth Argyle 41 (6)
1907–1908 Southampton 21 (5)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Smith was born in Preston and played his youth football with Leyland. In July 1899 he started his professional career playing as a half-back at Preston North End where he stayed for two seasons. At the end of his second season, Preston were relegated from the First Division.

He then spent part of the 1901–02 season at Aston Villa before moving to non-league New Brompton In 1903 he joined Blackburn Rovers where he stayed for three years, before joining Plymouth Argyle.

In the summer of 1907 he signed for Southampton of the Southern League, where he was converted into an inside forward, playing alongside Frank Jefferis, John Bainbridge and John Lewis. As a forward he was prone to over-elaboration but had a powerful shot.[1] He made 21 league appearances, scoring five goals, and also played in all six FA Cup matches as Saints reached the semi-finals, losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers who went on to take the cup in the final.

Smith suddenly collapsed and died, shortly before his 29th birthday in July 1908.

References
  1. Duncan Holley & Gary Chalk (1992). The Alphabet of the Saints. ACL & Polar Publishing. p. 315. ISBN 0-9514862-3-3.
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