Chris Smith (footballer Born 1981)

Chris Smith (footballer Born 1981)

Christopher Alan "Chris" Smith (born 30 June 1981) is an English footballer who plays for York City as a defender.

Smith started his career with the Leeds United youth system, but at the age of 15 joined Reading in their youth system. After three years, in 1999, he signed a professional contract before joining Third Division club York City in 2001. In his first season with the club Smith failed to establish himself as a first team regular, but in the 2002–03 season he had become a fans' favourite. However, the 2003–04 season saw York relegated to the Conference National and after being released by the club he dropped into non-League football, spending a season with Stafford Rangers in the Conference North.

He joined Conference North club Worcester City in 2005 and in the 2006–07 season was named the club's Player of the Year. After a third season at Worcester, during which he was captain, the club was re-allocated to play in the Conference South, which led to Smith signing for Conference North team Tamworth in 2008. In his first season at Tamworth, 2008–09, the club won the Conference North title and after serving his second season as captain he signed for Mansfield Town in 2010. He joined former club York on a three-month loan later that year before signing for the club permanently in 2011. Smith captained York to victory in the 2012 FA Trophy Final and 2012 Conference National play-off Final at Wembley Stadium, the latter seeing the club promoted to League Two.