Graeme Smith (footballer, born 1983)

{{ infobox football biography

| name = Graeme Smith

| image = Graeme Smith.JPG

| upright =

| alt =

| caption = Smith playing for Motherwell in 2009

| fullname = Graeme Meldrum Smith{{Hugman|25355|accessdate=2 May 2017}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|6|8|df=y}}

| birth_place = Edinburgh, Scotland

| height =

| position = Goalkeeper

| youthyears1 = 1999–2003 | youthclubs1 = Rangers

| years1 = 2003–2005 | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | clubs1 = Rangers

| years2 = 2003–2004 | caps2 = 20 | goals2 = 0 | clubs2 = → Ross County (loan)

| years3 = 2005–2009 | caps3 = 127 | goals3 = 0 | clubs3 = Motherwell

| years4 = 2009–2010 | caps4 = 6 | goals4 = 0 | clubs4 = Brighton & Hove Albion

| years5 = 2010–2011 | caps5 = 16 | goals5 = 0 | clubs5 = Hibernian

| years6 = 2011–2012 | caps6 = 7 | goals6 = 0 | clubs6 = Gabala

| years7 = 2012–2013 | caps7 = 6 | goals7 = 0 | clubs7 = Partick Thistle

| years8 = 2013 | caps8 = 15 | goals8 = 0 | clubs8 = Ayr United

| years9 = 2013–2018 | caps9 = 165 | goals9 = 0 | clubs9 = Brechin City

| years10 = 2018–2022 | caps10 = 64 | goals10 = 0 | clubs10 = Stenhousemuir

| years11 = 2022 | caps11 = 0 | goals11 = 0 | clubs11 = → Berwick Rangers (loan)

| totalcaps = 426 | totalgoals = 0

| nationalyears1 = 2004–2005 | nationalteam1 = Scotland U21{{cite web|url=http://www.fitbastats.com/scotlandu21/player.php?playerid=388|title=Scotland U21 Player Graeme Smith Details|website=fitbastats.com|access-date=18 August 2018}}

| nationalcaps1 = 8 | nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2007 | nationalteam2 = Scotland B

| nationalcaps2 = 1 | nationalgoals2 = 0

}}

Graeme Meldrum Smith (born 8 June 1983) is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was employed as the goalkeeping coach at Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic but left in May 2024.

Smith started his career at Rangers, later playing for Ross County, Motherwell, Brighton, Hibernian, Gabala, Partick Thistle, Ayr United, Brechin City, Stenhousemuir and Berwick Rangers.

Career

Smith was born in Edinburgh. He started his career with Rangers but failed to make an appearance for the club. During his time at Ibrox, Smith spent the 2003–04 season on loan to Scottish First Division side Ross County.

=Motherwell=

On 25 June 2005, Smith signed for Motherwell.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/4622411.stm |title=Keeper Smith Moves to Motherwell |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 June 2005 |access-date=28 June 2009}} During four seasons at Fir Park, Smith made 127 SPL appearances for Motherwell. Smith was included in the Scotland squad to face the Faroe Islands and Lithuania in Euro 2008 qualifiers played in September 2006, but he did not play in either game.{{cite news|url=http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/hibernian-make-new-year-signing-20100101_2262950_1920062 |title=Hibernian make New Year signing |publisher=Hibernian F.C. |date=1 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104110437/http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/hibernian-make-new-year-signing-20100101_2262950_1920062 |archive-date=4 January 2010 }} Smith made one appearance for the Scotland B team during this time, playing in a 1–1 draw with the Republic of Ireland B team in November 2007.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7100835.stm |title=Scotland B 1–1 Rep of Ireland B|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 November 2007|access-date=18 August 2018}} He was part of the Motherwell side that finished third in the SPL in the 2007–08 season, qualifying for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup.

=Brighton & Hove Albion=

On 1 July 2009, Smith transferred to English League One side Brighton & Hove Albion, signing a two-year contract.[http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~1709258,00.html Goalkeeper Signs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804165155/http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0%2C%2C10433~1709258%2C00.html |date=4 August 2009 }}, Seagulls World, 1 July 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2009 However, he conceded five goals on his debut, coming as a substitute after the regular goalkeeper Michel Kuipers had been sent off, as Brighton lost 7–1 at Huddersfield. Smith went on to make nine further appearances for Brighton.

=Hibernian=

Smith returned to the SPL on 1 January 2010 by signing for Hibernian on a free transfer.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/5817880/hibs-snap-up-smith |title=Hibs snap up Smith|publisher=Sky Sports|date=1 January 2010|access-date=18 August 2018}} He immediately took possession of the goalkeeper position at Hibs, as manager John Hughes sought to put a "goalkeeping school" in place.{{cite news |url=http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Keeper-deal-ends-Hibs39-transfer.6030777.jp |title=Keeper deal ends Hibs' transfer bids |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=1 February 2010 |access-date=7 February 2010 |first=David |last=Hardie |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100203021740/http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Keeper-deal-ends-Hibs39-transfer.6030777.jp |archive-date=3 February 2010 |url-status=dead }} Smith was involved in a remarkable game towards the end of the 2009–10 season, as he conceded six goals against his former club Motherwell, the match finishing drawn 6–6.{{cite news |url=http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/John-Hughes-claims-Rob-Jones.6281622.jp |title=John Hughes claims Rob Jones would have prevented Hibs' 6–6 'defeat' |last=Bathgate |first=Stuart |work=The Scotsman |date=8 May 2010 |access-date=8 May 2010}} Smith eventually fell behind Mark Brown and Graham Stack in the selection order under the management of Colin Calderwood and was released by the club in April 2011.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13136748.stm |title=Goalkeeper Graeme Smith departs Hibs |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 April 2011 |access-date=19 April 2011}} He had made 16 league appearances during his 15 months with the club.

=Gabala=

Smith was invited by Tony Adams to train with Azerbaijan Premier League club Gabala in July 2011.{{cite news|url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/Graeme-Smith-looks-east-for.6788109.jp|title=Graeme Smith looks east for life after Hibs|date=20 June 2011|access-date=21 June 2011|work=Edinburgh Evening News|first=David|last=Hardie|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628143331/http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/hibernianfc/Graeme-Smith-looks-east-for.6788109.jp|archive-date=28 June 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/06/23/players-must-look-further-afield-for-employment-now-admits-freed-hibs-keeper-graeme-smith-as-he-ponders-move-to-azerbaijan-86908-23221375/|title=Players must look further afield for employment now, admits freed Hibs keeper Graeme Smith as he ponders move to Azerbaijan |date=23 June 2011|first=Gordon|last=Parks|access-date=26 August 2011 |work=Daily Record|location=Glasgow}} Smith signed a one-year contract with Gabala after a pre-season tour of England.{{cite news|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/267297/England-legend-Tony-Adams-lures-Graeme-Smith-to-Azerbaijan|title=England legend Tony Adams lures Graeme Smith to Azerbaijan|work=Daily Express|publisher=Northern and Shell Media Publications|date=26 August 2011|access-date=26 August 2011|first=Scott|last=Burns}} He made his debut for Gabala in an Azerbaijan Cup tie against Neftchala, in which they won 3–0. Smith made his league debut on 7 March in a 3–2 defeat against Kəpəz.{{cite news|url=http://gabalafc.az/?mod=news&id=179&lang=az|title=Kapaz -Gabala 3–2|date=7 March 2012|access-date=7 March 2012|publisher=Gabala FC}} On 17 May, Smith's contract was not renewed by Gabala.{{cite news|url=http://gabalafc.az/?mod=news&id=273&type=all&lang=en|title=Five more players leave Gabala |date=18 March 2012|access-date=18 March 2012|publisher=Gabala FC}}

=Return to Scotland=

Smith trained with Dunfermline, in his native Scotland, in July 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.dafc.co.uk/articles/20120712/smith-in-goal-for-pars_2207955_2847738 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130420085925/http://www.dafc.co.uk/articles/20120712/smith-in-goal-for-pars_2207955_2847738 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2013 |title=Smith in goal for Pars |date=12 July 2012 |publisher=Dunfermline Athletic F.C. |access-date=13 July 2012 }} On 13 November 2012, he signed a 9-week deal with Scottish First Division club Partick Thistle.{{cite web|title=Thistle Sign Goalkeeper|url=http://ptfc.co.uk/news/2012-2013/november_2012/thistle_sign_goalkeeper|publisher=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=13 November 2012|access-date=13 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117201234/http://ptfc.co.uk/news/2012-2013/november_2012/thistle_sign_goalkeeper|archive-date=17 November 2012}} Smith scored an own goal in his debut appearance for Thistle, a 1–0 defeat against Hamilton on 16 November.{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/hamilton-1-partick-thistle-0-1441063 |title=Hamilton 1 Partick Thistle 0: Partick Thistle's ham-fisted debut goalie costs them match with own goal |first=Kenny |last=Macdonald |work=Daily Record |date=17 November 2012 |access-date=17 November 2012}} He left the club at the end of his contract.

Smith signed a contract with Ayr United in February 2013 for the remainder of the season.{{cite news |url=http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/news.asp?int_news_id=3215 |title=Graeme Smith Signs Until End of the Season |publisher=Ayr United F.C. |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=14 February 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/sfl-division-two/graeme-smith-signs-for-ayr-until-end-of-season-1-2790540 |title=Graeme Smith signs for Ayr until end of season |work=The Scotsman |publisher= Johnston Publishing |date=14 February 2013 |access-date=17 February 2013}}

=Brechin City=

On 3 July 2013, Smith signed for Scottish League One side Brechin City.{{cite web|title=Latest Signing|url=http://www.brechincity.com/bcfc/servlet/BCFCFrontControllerServlet?action=News&page_id=1343&category=2|publisher=Brechin City F.C.|date=3 July 2013|access-date=7 September 2013}} He signed a new two-year contract on 19 May 2014.{{cite web|title=Graeme Smith Stays On|url=http://www.brechincity.com/bcfc/servlet/BCFCFrontControllerServlet?action=News&page_id=1467&category=2|publisher=Brechin City F.C.|date=19 May 2014|access-date=27 July 2014}}

On 21 November 2015, Smith travelled to the Ochilview ground for the away game against Stenhousemuir. Unfortunately for him, the match was actually a home fixture for Brechin, 83 miles away. He did make it in time to play, but the side lost 2–1.{{cite web|title=Brechin goalkeeper turns up at wrong ground for game|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34890393|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 November 2015|access-date=21 November 2015}}

Smith extended his contract with Brechin City for another year on 1 June 2016.{{cite web|title=Buzz Staying On|url=http://www.brechincity.com/bcfc/servlet/BCFCFrontControllerServlet?action=News&page_id=1734&category=2|publisher=Brechin City F.C.|access-date=30 December 2016|date=1 June 2016}} After five year with Brechin, Smith left Glebe Park at the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.brechincity.com/bcfc/servlet/BCFCFrontControllerServlet?action=News&page_id=2009&category=2 |title=Brechin City squad news |first=Grant |last=Hood |publisher=Brechin City F.C. |date=9 May 2018 |access-date=10 May 2018}}

=Stenhousemuir=

On 22 May 2018, Smith signed a two-year contract with Scottish League One side Stenhousemuir.{{Cite web |url=https://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/2018/05/22/another-new-face-joins-the-warriors/ |title=Another new face joins the Warriors |publisher=Stenhousemuir FC |date=22 May 2018 |accessdate=22 April 2022}} On 22 April 2022, Smith joined Lowland League side Berwick Rangers on an emergency loan for the remainder of the 2021–22 season.{{Cite tweet |user=StenhousemuirFC |number=1517529951171457024 |title=Squad Update}}

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|National cup !colspan="2"\|League cup !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="3"\|Rangers \|2003–04 \|rowspan="2"\|Scottish Premier League \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2004–05 \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
colspan="2"\|Total !0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ross County (Loan) \|2003–04 \|Scottish First Division \|20	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	21	0
rowspan="5"\|Motherwell \|2005–06{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2005\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|rowspan="4"\|Scottish Premier League \|30	0	1	0	3	0	0	0	34	0
2006–07{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2006\|accessdate=9 November 2017}}	24	0	3	0	1	0	0	0	28	0
2007–08{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2007\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|36	0	3	0	3	0	0	0	42	0
2008–09{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2008\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|37	0	3	0	1	0	2{{efn\|name=UEL\|Appearances in the Europa League}}	0	43	0
colspan="2"\|Total !127	0	10	0	8	0	2	0	147	0
Brighton & Hove Albion \|2009–10{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2009\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|League One \|6	0	3	0	0	0	1{{efn\|name=FLT\|Appearance in the Football League Trophy}}	\|0	10	0
rowspan="3"\|Hibernian \|2009–10 \|rowspan="2"\|Scottish Premier League \|12	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	15	0
2010–11{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2010\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|4	0	1	0	0	0	1{{efn\|name=UEL}}	0	6	0
colspan="2"\|Total !16	0	4	0	0	0	1	0	21	0
Gabala \|2011–12{{soccerway\|graeme-smith/900\|accessdate=30 December 2016}} \|Azerbaijan Premier League \|7	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	8	0
Partick Thistle \|2012–13 \|Scottish First Division \|6	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	7	0
Ayr United \|2012–13{{soccerbase season\|47649\|2012\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|Scottish League One \|15	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	15	0
rowspan="6"\|Brechin City \|2013–14{{soccerbase season\|47649\|2013\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|rowspan="4"\|Scottish League One \|31	0	3	0	1	0	1{{efn\|name=SCC\|Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup}}	0	36	0
2014–15{{soccerbase season\|47649\|2014\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|35	0	4	0	1	0	4Two appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup and two in the Championship play-offs	0	44	0
2015–16{{soccerbase season\|47649\|2015\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|34	0	1	0	1	0	1{{efn\|name=SCC}}	0	37	0
2016–17{{soccerbase season\|47649\|2016\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|34	0	1	0	4	0	6Two appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup and four in the Championship play-offs	0	45	0
2017–18{{soccerbase season\|47649\|2017\|accessdate=9 November 2017}} \|Scottish Championship \|31	0	2	0	4	0	1{{efn\|name=SCC}}	0	38	0
colspan="2"\|Total !165	0	11	0	11	0	13	0	200	0
rowspan="4"\|Stenhousemuir \|2018–19{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2018\|accessdate=13 November 2019}} \|Scottish League One \|35	0	3	0	3	0	3One appearance in the Scottish Challenge Cup and two in the League Two play-offs	0	44	0
2019–20{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2019\|accessdate=13 November 2019}} \|rowspan="2"\|Scottish League Two \|27	0	1	0	3	0	3{{efn\|name=SCC}}	0	34	0
2020–21{{soccerbase season\|18663\|2020\|accessdate=5 November 2021}} \|2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
colspan="2"\|Total !64	0	4	0	6	0	6	0	80	0
colspan="3"\|Career total !436	0	35	0	25	0	23	0	509	0