 |
Richard "Dick" Smith was a right sided back who joined at the start of the 1921/22 Birmingham Combination campaign. He was described in the Messenger as being "on the big side with plenty of weight and he plays a robust game"
He had previously been playing for Hingleys in the Works League, where he had been chosen to represent a pick of the works league side against a team from Southampton.
After playing in every game of his first season with the club, it was reported he broke his leg playing against Leamington Town in February 1922. Remarkably, this only put him out of action for 5 games. A collection at a subsequent match at the Victoria Ground raised £8 for him. He also played in the Worcestershire Senior Cup final that season against Stourbridge, where Rovers lost 1-0.
He was again a regular in the 1922/23 campaign, and was very reliable from the penalty spot.
He was first choice right back at the start of the 1923/24 season, but lost his place mid season, playing his last game for the Rovers against Wellington St Georges on 19 January 1924.
He played for Hereford United between 1924 and 1927.
Stats:
Debut: vs Halesowen Town, Birmingham Combination, The Grove, 27 August 1921, 2-4
Last game:
1921/22: 31 appearances, 0 goals
1922/23: 33 appearances, 5 goals
1923/24: 14 appearances, 0 goals
TOTAL: 78 appearances, 5 goals
|
|
| |