Bert Smith (footballer born 1896)

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Ernest Edwin "Bert" Smith (born 4 January 1896 in Donegal) was a former professional footballer who played for Cardiff and then Middlesborough and Watford. He played internationally for Ireland and was capped three times. Smith was born of English parents and his father worked as a lighthouse keeper in Donegal. footballer.

Smith's football career began during World War One when he played for the Indian army. On his return to Britain he joined Cardiff City for the start of the 1919-1920 season as they played in the Southern Football League. He played more times than any other player in that season and remained with the club as they were elected into the Football League the following year. Cardiff were promoted in to division one after just one season in division two along with Birmingham City. Smith scored the clubs first ever goal in the first division when he found the net in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

He was allowed to leave the club in 1923 to join Middlesbrough, but his opportunites at the side were limited so he moved on again in 1925, this time to join Watford. He made 50 appearances for the club before finishing his career at non-league Emsworth.He was also capped 3 times for Ireland including in 1923 and 1924 and he is considered to be one of Cardiff football club's greatest players and defenders in their history. He also scored a goal for Cardiff in the FA Cup semi final in 1921. Cardiff lost 2 - 1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wolves went on to win the FA cup in 1921.