Jack Smith

Who was Jack Smith?

John Clayton Smith was a footballer who played 347 matches for Sheffield United between 1930-1949. He was known as Jack Smith and played in the position of goalkeeper.

He started his playing career by signing amateur forms with Sheffield Wednesday and Worksop Town, but it was United who signed him as a professional after a couple of trial games in the Central League. Jack became one of the Blades most popular players, always remembered for his cheerful grin. Not for nothing he was nicknamed Smiler.

Between 1935 and 1949, he made 203 consecutive appearances for United. Smith played for Sheffield United for 19 years, and in the final match of the 1948-49 season - a County Cup match against Barnsley he was chaired from the field.

This was to have been his last appearance for the Blades, but he played a few matches the following season and his final match was a Division 2 match away at Grimsby Town played on 14 May 1949.