- Birthdate: 19 December 1865
- Birthplace: Kilmarnock, Scotland
- Date of death: 23 January 1911
- Other clubs: Summerton Athletic, Kilmarnock (1885-87), Newcastle East End (1887), Kilmarnock (2 / 1887-88), Newcastle East End (2 / 1888-89), Sunderland (1889-92), The Wednesday (1893-94), Newcastle United (1894-95), Loughborough
- Signed from: Sunderland
- Signed for LFC: May 1892
- Liverpool debut: 03.09.1892
- Last appearance: 25.03.1893
- Debut goal: 03.09.1892
- Last goal: 25.03.1893
- Contract expiry: 02.08.1893
- Win ratio: 72.73% W:8 D:0 L:3
- Games/goals ratio: 2.2
- Honours: Lancashire league 1892/93
- Total games/goals opposite LFC: 1 / 0
- League games / goals: 0 / 0
- Total games / goals: 11 / 5
Player Profile
Smith was said to be "a grand acquisition" for newly-formed Liverpool, "possessing rare speed and good dribbling powers." Inside-right Smith played ten games in the Lancashire league for Liverpool and scored five goals. Smith later scored 12 goals in 35 games for second division Newcastle United, that had been merged from his former club, Newcastle East End, and Newcastle West End in 1892. On 23 January 1911 when Smith was 55 years of age he committed suicide two days after one of his children had died. “Suicide whilst in a depressed state of mind” was the verdict returned at an inquest held at the Newcastle Central Police Station. Newcastle gave his widow a benefit match at St James' Park.
Appearances per season
Season |
League |
FA |
LC |
Europe |
Other |
Total |
Totals |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
11 |
1892-1893 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
11 |
A more detailed look at the player's appearances
Apps |
Minutes |
Opponent |
2 |
180 |
Fleetwood Rangers |
2 |
180 |
South Shore |
2 |
180 |
Rossendale |
1 |
90 |
West Manchester |
1 |
90 |
Higher Walton |
1 |
90 |
Bury |
1 |
90 |
Blackpool |
1 |
90 |
Northwich Vict. |
Total |
Venue |
6 |
Home |
5 |
Away |
Goals per season
Season |
League |
FA |
LC |
Europe |
Other |
Total |
Totals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
1892-1893 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
A more detailed look at the player's goalscoring
Milestone Appearances
# |
Date |
Against |
Stadium |
Competition |
1 |
03.09.1892 |
Higher Walton |
Anfield |
Other |
Milestone Goals
# |
Minute |
Date |
Against |
Stadium |
Competition |
1 |
0 |
03.09.1892 |
Higher Walton |
Anfield |
Other |
Related Articles
Liverpool Football Echo match report on Liverpool v. Southport Central on 17.09.1892.
Related Quotes
"Then let Smith not dally so long with the ball; let him either pass or shoot. He is playing a good game at present, but for a little dilatoriness."
Liverpool directors on John Smith in the programme notes against Cliftonville in April 1893
Smith, the ex-Sunderland man, is a grand acquisition, possessing rare speed and good dribbling powers, and if he does not develop selfish tendencies he and Wyllie will make an excellent wing.
Field Sport on John Smith in 1892