John Clayton Smith (15 September 1910 – 1986) was a footballer who played 347 league matches for Sheffield United between 1931 and 1949 as a goalkeeper.
He began by playing outfield for Bolsterstone FC, and first played in goal when replacing an injured team-mate. After an excellent performance, he remained as goalkeeper for the rest of the season, attracting the interest of both Sheffield clubs. He signed amateur forms with Sheffield Wednesday who loaned him to Worksop Town, but it was United who signed him as a professional after a couple of trial games in the Central League. Jack became one of the Blades most popular players, always remembered for his cheerful grin. Not for nothing he was nicknamed Smiler.
Between December 1935 and October 1947, he made 203 consecutive league appearances for United. Smith played for Sheffield United for 19 years, and in the final match of the 1948–49 season – a County Cup match against Barnsley – he was chaired from the field.
This was to have been his last appearance for the Blades, but he was forced out of retirement the following season for two matches due to an injury crisis. His final game was away at Grimsby Town in the Second Division on 24 September 1949, aged 39.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupOtherTotalDivisionApps GoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsSheffield United 1930–31 First Division 7 0 0 010 8 0 1931–32 First Division 21 0 2 000 23 0 1932–33 First Division 32 0 0 000 32 0 1933–34 First Division 31 0 1 000 32 0 1934–35 Second Division 1 0 0 000 1 0 1935–36 Second Division 35 0 8 020 45 0 1936–37 Second Division 42 0 3 020 47 0 1937–38 Second Division 42 0 3 010 46 0 1938–39 Second Division 42 0 4 020 48 0 1945–46 — 3 0— 3 0 1946–47 First Division 42 0 4 0— 46 0 1947–48 First Division 27 0 1 000 28 0 1948–49 First Division 23 0 2 010 26 0 1949–50 Second Division 2 0 0 000 2 0Career total 347 0 31 090 387 0
Baseball Smith also played baseball for Sheffield Dons in their inaugural season in the semi-professional Yorkshire Baseball League, 1936. He competed successfully with several American and Canadian players.'Jack Smith Turns Out for the Dons', Sheffield Independent, 15 June 1936, p.8 - retrieved via British Newspaper Archive. Smith played a number of positions but was most accomplished as keeper of first base. Smith also represented Yorkshire at baseball.'Dons at Home in NBA Cup', Star Green 'Un, 25 July 1936, p.7 - retrieved via British Newspaper Archive.
Honours Sheffield United FA Cup runner-up: 1935–36
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