A defender, he previously played professionally in all three divisions of the Football League for Sunderland, Hartlepool United and Northampton Town.
Smith began his career with Sunderland, making 25 appearances in all competitions without scoring in five seasons at the club.
Smith was named manager of Northern League side Chester-le-Street Town in September 2011,[2] but left the club in June 2012 to join Gateshead.
[3] On 10 December 2012, Smith was named caretaker manager at Gateshead after Ian Bogie and Terry Mitchell were relieved of their duties.
[8] Smith led West to the top of the table and with a nine-point lead, but due to executive interference, he resigned in December.