Smith was born in Preston and played his youth football with Leyland.
In July 1899 he started his professional career playing as a half-back at Preston North End where he stayed for two seasons.
In the summer of 1907 he signed for Southampton of the Southern League, where he was converted into an inside forward, playing alongside Frank Jefferis, John Bainbridge and John Lewis.
[1] He made 21 league appearances, scoring five goals, and also played in all six FA Cup matches as Saints reached the semi-finals, losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers who went on to take the cup in the final.
Smith suddenly collapsed and died, shortly before his 29th birthday in July 1908.