Norman Smith (footballer, born December 1897) explained

Norman Smith
Fullname:Norman Smith
Birth Date:15 December 1897
Birth Place:Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Death Place:Newcastle, England
Height:[1]
Position:Defender
Years1:1924–1927
Caps1:24
Goals1:0
Years2:1927–1930
Caps2:19
Goals2:0
Years3:1930–1932
Caps3:26
Goals3:0
Years4:1932–1934
Clubs4:FC Kreuzlingen
Caps4:?
Goals4:?
Years5:1934–1938
Clubs5:FC St. Gallen
Caps5:?
Goals5:?
Manageryears1:1961–1962
Managerclubs1:Newcastle United

Norman Smith (15 December 1897 – 18 May 1978) was a footballer and later manager. He was born in Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.[2]

During his playing career he played for sides including Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday.

Stan Seymour appointed Smith as his assistant at Newcastle United in 1939 and he helped contribute to the club's success in the 1950s. The loyalty he had shown by staying at the club for twenty-two years was rewarded in 1961 when he was appointed the new manager of the club, following Charlie Mitten's sacking. While he only won twelve games out of thirty-five during his period in charge, this was enough to stave off relegation to the Third Division, which had looked a distinct possibility when Mitten was sacked, and he still had the respect of the fans for staying with the club for so long and showing a passion for the club. He stepped down as manager at the end of the season and was succeeded by Joe Harvey, though Smith remained at the club in various other capacities for several more years.

Smith died suddenly in 1978, while on his way home from Newcastle's stadium St James' Park after watching the team play.

Notes and References

  1. News: Prospects of the clubs in the First Division of the League. Huddersfield Town . Woolwinder . Athletic News . Manchester . 20 August 1923 . 5.
  2. Book: Joyce, Michael . Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939 . 2012 . 2002. SoccerData . Nottingham . 978-1-905891-61-0 . 271.