Full name Gary Stephen Smith 1999–2003 Middlesbrough Playing position | Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) Name Gary Smith | |
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Date of birth (1984-01-30) 30 January 1984 (age 31) | ||
Place of birth Middlesbrough, England | ||
Gary Stephen Smith (born 30 January 1984) is a former professional footballer who last played for Darlington in 2011. He also played for Middlesbrough and Milton Keynes Dons and Brentford where he was released by at the end of an injury struck 2008–09 season. He played as a midfielder.
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Career
Smith was born in Middlesbrough, and began his career as a trainee at Middlesbrough F.C.
In a reserve match against Manchester United, a very bad tackle from Smith severely injured promising young footballer Ben Collett, breaking his leg in 2 places and ending Collett's short career in England. Smith joined Wimbledon on loan following the club's move to Milton Keynes, making the move permanent in the summer of 2004.
Although suffering from numerous spells out injured, he established himself as a fans' favourite due to his attacking style and flair in midfield. Injury struck again, however, in the derby game at Wycombe Wanderers and even though a hobbling Smith characteristically scored the Dons' winner late on in the game, this proved to be his last game for the club as he was one of a number of players released in May 2007.
After impressing in several games in pre-season whilst on trial at Brentford, Smith was offered and signed a one-year contract at Griffin Park in June 2007. At the start of 2008, this was extended to the end of the 2008–09 season, when he was released from the club.
On 1 July 2009 he signed for League Two side Darlington. Darlington were relegated to the Conference National during the 2009–10 season. In the 2010–11 season, Smith picked up the second significant honour of his career, as Darlington lifted the 2011 FA Trophy. Smith was released by the club in June 2011.