JOHN Reid Smith arrived at Burnden in November 1922 from Glasgow Rangers, as replacement centre-forward
for Frank Roberts who had joined Manchester City.
Smith was born in Pollokshaws in April 1895 and began his career with Battlefield Juniors and Albion Rovers before joining Kilmarnock. He scored seven of the Killies' 14 goals on their way to winning the Scottish FA Cup in 1920, but, following a disagreement, he joined Cowdenbeath.
During 1921-2, Smith netted 45 goals and at the season's end joined Glasgow Rangers for £3,000. He was never happy at Ibrox and Bolton signed him six months later.
He scored an 89th-minute winner on his debut, against Manchester City, but quickly became thought of as a "crock", for he always appeared to be limping. Yet he was always on hand to get his fair share of goals.
He netted Bolton's second goal in the 1923 Cup Final and won another winners' medal in 1926. The arrival of Harold Blackmore limited his appearances, notwithstanding a number of injuries, and in March 1928, Bury paid £1,500 for him.
Bolton put the money towards signing Jim McClelland. The Shakers were still in the First Division and Smith netted a hat-trick on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday.
At Bury he scored 108 goals in 157 League games before joining Rochdale in August 1933. In 1939 he was appointed assistant trainer at Cardiff City, who were managed by another ex-Wanderer, Billy Jennings.
Smith died at Whitchurch in September 1946.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article