Jimmy Smith, or James Dean Smith to give him his full name, signed for us in summer 2013 as part of Graham Westley‘s rebuilding exercise. It came about after a less-than-impressive end to the 2012-3 campaign. The move to the Lamex Stadium followed a four-year spell at League One compatriots Leyton Orient; the team for whom he made around 150 appearances.

Jimmy Smith: Before Boro’

Smith’s career began in 1996 with Chelsea, joining the Premier League club’s academy side before his 10th birthday. He signed professional terms nine years later and made his way into the reserve side at a time when the squad was starting to fill out with high quality international players. First team chances were, therefore, limited; Smith moving on loan to gain some precious Football League experience.

In around 30 appearances for QPR, Smith scored a commendable six goals. Further loan stints at Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Leyton Orient were not as productive. It didn’t stop the latter making a move for the midfielder on a permanent basis, however. And, after a successful career with the East London side, he left in summer 2013 and became available for us to make our move.

Further to his domestic career, Smith appeared at England at U16, U17 and U19 level.