Jamie Smith (footballer, born 1997)

Jamie Smith (born 25 December 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Greenville Triumph in the USL League One.

Jamie Smith
Personal information
Date of birth (1997-12-25) 25 December 1997 (age 26)
Place of birth Birmingham, England
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
Greenville Triumph
Number 4
Youth career
2010–2016 Walsall
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2018 Limestone Saints 37 (5)
2019–2021 NC State Wolfpack 46 (5)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2017 Sutton United 1 (0)
2016–2017Hendon (loan) 14 (0)
2018–2021 Asheville City SC 33 (3)
2022–2024 Greenville Triumph 42 (4)
2025 Coventry City
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 July 2024

Jamie is sponsored by Dr Pepper, who he has claimed in several interviews is his favourite drink. When asked about the drink in a 2020 interview, Jamie responded “didn’t sniff it tho” leading to widespread confusion and speculation.

Career

edit

Early career

edit

Smith attended St Francis of Assisi Catholic College, and joined the Walsall academy at the age of 12, playing for the Walsall youth team as a two-year scholar, before being released by the club in 2016.[1] He subsequently signed with National League side Sutton United, making a single league appearance[2] before joining Ryman League Premier Division club Hendon on loan.[3][4]

College

edit

In 2017, Smith moved to the United States to play college soccer at Limestone University in South Carolina. Here he played two seasons for the Saints, making 37 appearances, scoring five goals and tallying two assists. While at Limestone, Smith was awarded multiple accolades including 2018 Conference Carolinas All-Tournament Team, Second-Team All-Conference Carolinas, Second-Team D2CCA All-Southeast Regio, and First-Team All-Conference Carolinas.[4]

Smith transferred to North Carolina State University in 2019, going on to make 46 appearances with the Wolfpack, scoring five goals, and was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll on consecutive seasons.[5]

While at college, Smith played for amateur side Asheville City SC, appearing for the club in the NPSL during their 2018 and 2019 seasons, making 21 appearances and scoring a three goals across both seasons.[6][7] He didn't appear for the team in 2020 due to the season being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He continued with Asheville as they moved to play in the USL League Two, making twelve regular season appearances.[8]

Greenville Triumph

edit

On 16 March 2022, Smith signed with USL League One club Greenville Triumph after a month-long trial.[9] He made his debut for the team on 2 April 2022, starting in a 2–0 loss to Central Valley Fuego.[10]

Personal life

edit

Smith is the son of Dean Smith, who was a former professional footballer and now head coach of Coventry City FC.[11][12]

References

edit
  1. ^ Deeley, Simon (March 16, 2022). "Jamie Smith Signs for Greenville Triumph".
  2. ^ "Sutton United | Appearances | Jamie Smith | 2016-2017 | Football Web Pages". www.footballwebpages.co.uk.
  3. ^ "Hendon | Appearances | Jamie Smith | 2016-2017 | Football Web Pages". www.footballwebpages.co.uk.
  4. ^ a b "Jamie Smith - Men's Soccer". Limestone University Athletics.
  5. ^ "Jamie Smith - 2021 - Men's Soccer". NC State University Athletics.
  6. ^ "National Premier Soccer League". npsl.bonzidev.com.
  7. ^ "National Premier Soccer League". npsl.bonzidev.com.
  8. ^ "Asheville City SC - 2021 Regular Season - Roster - #25 - Jamie Smith - D". www.uslleaguetwo.com.
  9. ^ "NC State Defender Signs with Triumph for 2022".
  10. ^ "Match Center | USLLeagueOne.com". www.uslleagueone.com.
  11. ^ Preece, Ashley (October 20, 2021). "Dean Smith's Aston Villa mad son is living the American dream". BirminghamLive.
  12. ^ Wilson, Amie (March 16, 2022). "Dean Smith's Aston Villa mad son announces first professional contract". BirminghamLive.
edit