Smith first appeared for his local team, Darlington, when he was on trial in a game against the club's professionals under Len Walker, before playing in the reserves against Barnsley.
In the summer of 1979, Walker left Darlington, but newly appointed manager Billy Elliott invited Smith back.
Little then left to join Leicester City, which was a significant blow to Smith, who begged him to stay as the pair were very close.
Smith had hoped to get the job and had an interview[citation needed], though the Quakers installed Billy McEwan on a permanent basis.
In the summer of 1992 Smith required a major operation and was told he would need ten weeks to recover but came back after nine.
Between September 1997 and October 1998 Smith was joint Manager of Northern League club Crook Town working with former Darlington teammate Paul Cross.
Smith returned to the Quakers to work for them as Football in the Community (FITC) Officer and went on to be Assistant Manager at Hull City with Little.