Christian Smith

Christian Daniel Smith (born 10 December 1987) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He scored 53 goals in 464 league and cup appearances during a sixteen-year playing career. A former Port Vale youth team player, he was a first team squad member in the 2006–07 season, also spending time on loan at Cambridge United and Northwich Victoria. In 2007, he signed with Clyde, moving on to Wrexham a year later. In 2009, he signed with York City, only to return to Wrexham later in the year. After loan spells at Newport County, Barrow and Tamworth, he left the club for a second time in 2011, after which he joined Chester. He helped the club to the Northern Premier League title in 2011–12. He signed with Nantwich Town in August 2012, before joining AFC Telford United in March 2013. He signed with Chelmsford City in June 2013. He was loaned out to Hayes & Yeading United in February 2015, and joined Bishop's Stortford permanently three months later. In November 2015 he joined Maidenhead United, and helped the club to the National League South title in 2016–17. He moved on to Wealdstone in November 2018, before joining Dulwich Hamlet in June 2019. He moved on to Hampton & Richmond Borough in September 2020 and rejoined Hayes & Yeading United in July 2021, before moving on to Hendon the following month. He played on the losing side of the 2022 London Senior Cup final. Career Born in Crewe, Cheshire, Smith started his career with the Port Vale youth system in 2004. He was to train with the first team in the 2006–07 season and was first involved after being named on the bench in a 1–1 against Hartlepool United on 6 May 2006. He made his debut, and only appearance, on 1 January 2007 against Scunthorpe United in a 0–0 draw after coming on as a 70th minute substitute. He was loaned out to Conference National side Cambridge United on 25 January for a one-month period. He made his debut in a 3–0 victory over Woking on 27 January and scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Stafford Rangers. The loan was extended until 21 April in March, but was recalled on 20 March. He finished the spell with six appearances. He then joined Conference National team Northwich Victoria on loan on 22 March. He made his debut in a 4–0 defeat to former club Cambridge on 25 March and finished the spell with three appearances.