| Jim Smith | |
| Fullname: | James Clarke |
| Birth Date: | 1863 |
| Death Date: | 1937 |
| Position: | Goalkeeper |
| Years1: | 1883–93 |
| Clubs1: | The Wednesday |
Jim Smith was an association footballer who played in the 1890 FA Cup final for Sheffield Wednesday.
Smith, whose real surname was Clarke,[1] started work at the Atlas & Norfolk Steel Works - originally operating in the crucible room - when he was 11 years old;[2] he worked there for 58 years.
His playing career was entirely with Sheffield Wednesday, and was the first choice goalkeeper from 1884 to 1891.[3] The highlight - and lowlight - of his career was appearing for the club in the 1889–90 FA Cup final. As a full-time employee and part-time footballer, Smith (along with Tom Cawley) was unable to take part in the special training for the latter stages of the competition,[4] He proved a stellar choice in the 2–1 semi-final win over Bolton Wanderers with one particular save just before half-time being noted, and the goal against him having a suspicion of offside.[5]
The final however was a different matter. Captain Henry Winterbottom could not play because of injury, and forward Billy Ingram was not at full fitness; opponents Blackburn Rovers took full advantage, going 4–0 up before half-time and winning 6–1, a record at the time. Smith was blamed for the first two goals.[6] He did however have the consolation of a championship medal in the Football Alliance, of which Wednesday were the inaugural champions that season.[7] Curiously, Wednesday finished bottom in 1890–91, but finished high enough in 1891–92 to be elected to the Football League; however by the end of the latter season Smith had been displaced from goal by Allen.[8]
After retiring from the playing field, he acted as coach for the Atlas & Norfolk works sides.[9]
He was a club cricketer for 30 years and an angler of some repute, winning the Sheffield works angling championship when he was 68.[10] He was also a member of the Burngreave Conservative Association, acting as Father Christmas in the organization's charity Christmas parties, distributing toys to poor families.[11] He died in 1937, survived by his widow, son, and daughter.[12]