Jamie Smith (footballer, born 1980)

Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith Playing for the Colorado Rapids (MLS) 2011
Personal information
Full nameJamie Smith
Date of birth20 November 1980
Place of birthAlexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Playing positionWinger
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1997–2004Celtic72(6)
2000→ Livingston (loan)6(1)
2004–2005ADO Den Haag30(1)
2005–2009Aberdeen105(21)
2009–2013Colorado Rapids62(7)
Total275(36)
National team‡
2003Scotland2(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10 January 2014.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 10 January 2014

James "Jamie" Smith (born 20 November 1980 in Alexandria) is a retired Scottish professional footballer. He spent the majority of his footballing career in Scotland with Aberdeen and Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. He was also capped twice by Scotland.

Career

Early career

Smith started his career with Celtic and was an unused substitute in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, but limited first team opportunities saw him join Dutch club ADO Den Haag where he spent one season.

Aberdeen

He returned to Scotland in season 2005–06 with Aberdeen. In August 2005, Smith struck a late winner as Aberdeen defeated rivals Rangers in a league match for the first time since April 1998, wowing the Aberdeen support in only his third competitive game for the club. He was in a car crash along with team-mate Michael Hart in July 2007 while on a pre-season tour of Egypt. Smith suffered a slight knock to the head and no further injuries were reported. Both players missed the friendly match as a result.

In December 2007, Smith played a key role in Aberdeen's victory over Danish team FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup, scoring two goals in the 4–0 victory that saw Aberdeen through to the last 32 of the competition. Smith's contract at Aberdeen ended at the end of the 2008–09 season and he expressed concern that he had not been offered a contract extension, stating that he may need to look for a new club in summer.[1]

Colorado Rapids

In May 2009, he was given permission to discuss a contract with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC.[2] However, Toronto passed on the signing of Smith and he later signed with Colorado Rapids in July 2009.[3] In his first season with the Rapids he played only four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.[4]

On 28 August 2010, Smith scored his first MLS goal two minutes into a match against Houston in which he was named man of the match.

Smith remained with Colorado through the 2012 season. After the conclusion of the 2012 season, Colorado declined the 2013 option on Smith's contract and he entered the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Smith became a free agent after he went undrafted in both rounds of the draft.

Smith was re-signed by Colorado on 8 February 2013.[5]

On 10 January 2014, Smith announced his retirement from playing and joined Colorado Rapids academy coaching staff.[6]

Personal life

His brother-in-law, Allan Sieczkowski, is the lead singer of the Scottish rock band Little Eye. Colorado Rapids used their song Burgundy Sky as their official anthem to reflect on their famous burgundy kits.[7]

Honours

Celtic
Colorado Rapids

References

  1. ↑ , BBC Sport.
  2. ↑ , Daily Record.
  3. ↑ Smith signs deal with MLS outfit, BBC Sport, 30 July 2009.
  4. ↑ Rapids Player Profile.
  5. ↑ "Rapids re-sign midfielder Jamie Smith". Colorado Rapids. 8 February 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  6. ↑ "Jamie Smith announces retirement, joins Colorado Rapids Academy coaching staff". Colorado Rapids. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  7. ↑ "Little eye continue to shine - Carrick Gazette". Carricktoday.co.uk. 19 January 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2014.

External links