Bert Smith

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Bertram "Bert" Smith (born March 7, 1892 in Higham, Kent, died September 1969) was a former professional footballer, who played for Huddersfield Town, Tottenham Hotspur and played international football for England.

[edit] Career

Bert Smith initially played for a number of lower league sides (Vanbrugh Park, Crawford United, Metrogas FC) as well as playing for an Army side, before making it into the top flight of football with Huddersfield Town. He played at right half and transferred to Spurs on August 19, 1921. During his time at the club he made 319 appearances and scored nine goals. he also took part in a number of fiercely fought matches with local rivals Arsenal. In the match in September 1922 a major fracas broke out after a Spurs goal.

The reporter from The Sunday Evening Telegram recorded that: -

"After the Spurs goal came the most disgraceful scene I have witnessed on any ground at any time. Players pulled the referee, blows with fists were exchanged, and all the dignity that appertains in the referee was rudely trampled on." In the aftermath, following a Commission of Inquiry, Tottenham's Bert Smith was found to have used "filthy language" and suspended for a month. Arsenal's Alex Graham was censured for retaliating instead of reporting matters to the ref, and Stephen Dunn (Arsenal's goalkeeper) for his conduct after Tottenham's goal was allowed to stand.”[1]

Bert’s international career comprised two games for England. He debuted on April 9, 1921 against Scotland. And played his second match against Wales on March 13, 1922.

Bert transferred to Northfleet United F.C. a club affiliated with Tottenham, in May 1931. In later years he went on to be coach/trainer at Northfleet, Harwich and Parkeston F.C., Hitchin F.C. and Stevenage Borough F.C.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Bert Smith on Goal.com site". 
  2. ^ "Bert Smith on Englandfc site". 
  • 99 Years & Counting - Stats & Stories - Huddersfield Town History