Full name Nigel Paul Smith 1975–1978 Brentford Years Team | Place of birth Banstead, England Name Nigel Smith | |
Date of birth (1958-01-03) 3 January 1958 (age 57) | ||
Playing position | ||
Nigel Paul Smith (born 3 January 1958) is an English former professional footballer who played as a central defender in the Football League for Brentford and Cambridge United.
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Early years
Smith began his career with hometown club Banstead Athletic, before moving to the reserve team at Division Two side Queens Park Rangers, making 20 appearances.
Brentford
When former Queens Park Rangers coach John Docherty became manager of Division Four side Brentford in January 1975, he signed Smith for the Griffin Park club four months later. He went straight into the starting lineup and was a regular during the 1975–76 and 1976–77 seasons. After the appointment of Bill Dodgin, he fell out of favour and made just a handful of appearances during the 1977–78 promotion-clinching season. Smith had his contract cancelled and departed the Bees in October 1978, having made 96 appearances for the club.
Cambridge United
Smith up to Division Two to sign for Cambridge United in November 1978, but made just one substitute appearance for the club.
Non-league football
Smith saw out his career with spells at Isthmian League sides Woking and Metropolitan Police.
International career
During the 1975–76 season, Smith was called up to train with the England U18 squad, but failed to appear in a match. He later represented the England Police team.
Personal life
After quitting professional football, Smith joined the Metropolitan Police.