Matt Smith (footballer, born 1989)

After joining Evesham United in 2005,{{cite web |last=Purfield |first=Simon |url=https://www.eveshamunitedfc.com/former-evesham-junior-fa-cup-hero/ |title=Former Evesham Junior FA Cup Hero |date=28 January 2013 |access-date=13 October 2023 |work=Evesham United}} Smith spent a year as a trainee at Cheltenham Town, before being released at the age of 18.{{cite news |title=Hard work leads to Latics chance for ex-Robin Smith |url=http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Hard-work-leads-Latics-chance-ex-Robin-Smith/story-12142250-detail/story.html |work=This Is Gloucestershire |date=30 May 2011 |access-date=7 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603125338/http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Hard-work-leads-Latics-chance-ex-Robin-Smith/story-12142250-detail/story.html |archive-date=3 June 2012}} He then moved into non-league football with New Mills, whilst studying at the University of Manchester. He made his debut for New Mills in the North West Counties Premier League as a substitute against Silsden in October 2008, scoring in a 2–0 win. He went on to play a crucial role in the club's 21 game winning run, scoring 13 goals over the season including a hat trick against Alsager Town in April 2009. As he was due to spend a year studying in America, he left the Millers that summer.

Upon his return to England, ahead of the 2010–11 season, Smith signed for Redditch United in the Conference North. He initially went on a short-term loan with Midland Combination Division One side Littleton,{{cite news |title=Smith strives for League One bow |url=http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/sport/football/9174834.Smith_strives_for_League_One_bow/ |work=Evesham Journal |date=4 August 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011}} scoring nine goals in three games.{{cite news |title=Town striker gets deal at league side |url=http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/sport/9047140.Town_striker_gets_deal_at_league_side/ |work=Evesham Journal |date=26 May 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011}} Upon returning to Redditch United, Smith scored five goals in six games, including a hat-trick against Hyde United in The Reds first win of the season,{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9012654.stm |title=Hyde United 1-4 Redditch United |date=19 September 2010 |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport}} and subsequently moved to Droylsden in September 2010, largely due to the club's close proximity to Manchester University where he was completing his studies.{{cite news |title=Redditch United lose striker Matt Smith to Droylsden |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/9032162.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 September 2010 |access-date=6 August 2011}} Smith rejoined Redditch in December,{{cite news |title=Smith boost for Reds |url=http://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/sport/8749464.Smith_boost_for_Reds/ |work=Redditch Advertiser |date=10 December 2010 |access-date=7 August 2011}} before making a final move to Solihull Moors in February 2011.{{cite news |title=Moors Win the Race for Smith |url=http://www.footballconference.co.uk/news/details.php?news_id=3841 |publisher=Football Conference |date=6 February 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319231553/http://www.footballconference.co.uk/news/details.php?news_id=3841 |archive-date=19 March 2012 |url-status=dead}} After scoring the equaliser in a 1–1 draw with Stalybridge Celtic on his debut,{{cite web |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-signing-matt-smith-enjoys-148010 |title=New signing Matt Smith enjoys goalscoring debut for Solihull Moors |date=7 February 2011 |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=Birmingham Mail}} he scored 12 goals in 15 appearances. He finished the season having scored 21 goals in the Conference North.{{Cite web |title=M. Smith - Profile with news, career statistics and history |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/matt-smith/146786/ |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=int.soccerway.com}}

File:Smith.Oldham.Liverpool.jpg at Anfield in the FA Cup in 2013]]

On 23 May 2011, Smith joined League One side Oldham Athletic, signing a two-year contract.{{cite news |title=Oldham Athletic capture non league striker Matt Smith |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/9494493.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 May 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011}} He made his professional debut on the opening day of the 2011–12 season against Sheffield United and scored his first professional goal 10 days later on 16 August, the winner in a 2–1 win against Scunthorpe.{{cite news |title=Oldham – Sheffield Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14352031.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011}}{{cite news |title=Scunthorpe 1–2 Oldham |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/14471697.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2011 |access-date=16 August 2011}} Smith was limited to only 4 starts in 35 appearances for the Latics in his first season at the club, and so on 15 March 2012, manager Paul Dickov allowed Smith to go on loan to League Two side Macclesfield Town for the remaining six weeks of the season, where he made eight appearances and scored one goal.[http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0,,10337~2659859,00.html SMITH'S LOAN MOVE GOALS] "Oldham Athletic" 15 March 2012.

On 27 January 2013, in Smith's second season at the club, he scored two goals in a 3–2 win over Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup.{{Cite news |date=27 January 2013 |title=Oldham 3-2 Liverpool |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21106938 |access-date=2023-03-15}} In the fifth round on 16 February, Smith then scored a 95th-minute equaliser against Everton to achieve a 2–2 draw.{{Cite web |url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/feb/16/oldham-everton-fa-cup-mbm-live|title=Oldham 2-2 Everton – as it happened | Simon Burnton|date=16 February 2013|website=The Guardian}} Oldham's FA Cup campaign continued with a fifth-round replay at Goodison Park on 26 February, in which they lost 3–1 with Smith again scoring for Oldham,{{cite news |title=Everton 3–1 Oldham Athletic |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21508159 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2013 |access-date=27 February 2013}} meaning he finished Oldham's FA Cup campaign with four goals from four appearances and all goals coming against Premier League opposition. For his performance in the fifth round, Smith was voted as the Player of the Round.[http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/News/2013/Mar/player-of-the-fifth-round-matt-smith-oldham Smith is fan's favourite] "The FA | The FA Cup" 4 March 2013. Smith scored three goals in his last three appearances of the season, against Bury, Yeovil and Crawley, which all culminated in wins and ultimately ensured Oldham's survival in League One.[http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/79800/lethal-matts-a-real-bighitter Lethal Matt's a real big-hitter] "Oldham Chronicle" 25 April 2013. As a result, he won League One Player of the Month for April 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20130517-smithwins-826041.aspx|title=Smith player of the month|work=oldhamathletic.co.uk}} Smith finished the 2012–13 season with 11 goals in all competitions. On 23 May, with reported interest from a host of Championship clubs, Smith rejected an improved contract offer from Oldham Athletic.{{cite news |url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20130523-smith-832735.aspx|title=Smith rejects Latics' offer|publisher=Oldham Athletic|date=23 May 2013}}

On 10 June 2013, Smith signed a two-year contract with Championship club Leeds United after turning down a new contract with Oldham Athletic.{{cite news|title=Leeds United sign Oldham striker Matt Smith|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22843173|access-date=10 June 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 June 2013}} He made his Leeds United debut as a substitute in the opening game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion on 3 August, assisting Luke Murphy's 94th-minute winner in Leeds' 2–1 win.{{cite news|title=Leeds 2 Brighton 1|url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/qcvg57jswo9z16qlqx9nsp7lh/title/brighton-live!|access-date=3 August 2013|work=Leeds United|date=3 August 2013}} Smith scored his first goal for Leeds soon after on 27 August against Doncaster Rovers in their 3–1 League Cup second round win.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23764022|title=Doncaster 1-3 Leeds|publisher=BBC Sport}}{{cite news |title=THREE AND EASY CUP SUCCESS |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1rjnb7xdifs9a1cmvkg97cjhql/title/three-and-easy-cup-success |work=LeedsUnited.com |publisher=Leeds United Football Club |first=Paul |last=Dews |date=28 August 2013 |access-date=28 August 2013}} He followed this up with goals in the league against Burnley, Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town, Watford, Doncaster and Blackburn Rovers.{{cite news|title=Leeds 1 – 2 Burnley|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24089936|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=21 September 2013|date=21 September 2013}}{{cite news|title=Leeds 3 – 0 Birmingham|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24510345|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=20 October 2013|date=20 October 2013}}{{cite news |title=Wasteful Whites are punished by Stead|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/huddersfield-town-3-leeds-united-2-wasteful-whites-are-punished-by-stead-1-6188645 |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |first=Phil |last=Hay |date=28 October 2013 |access-date=28 October 2013}}{{cite news|title=Leeds 3 – 3 Watford|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25163683|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=7 December 2013|date=7 December 2013}} However, on 11 January 2014 Smith was sent off for violent conduct just two minutes after coming on as substitute in a 6–0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, for which he received a three-game ban.{{Cite news |date=11 January 2014 |title=Sheffield Wednesday 6-0 Leeds United |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25599608 |access-date=2023-03-15}}{{Cite news |last=Wobschall |first=Leon |date=14 January 2014 |title=Leeds United lose Smith red card appeal |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-lose-smith-red-card-appeal-1-6371162 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116092028/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-lose-smith-red-card-appeal-1-6371162 |archive-date=16 January 2014}} He finished the 2013–14 season with 13 goals in all competitions.

On 11 July, whilst on pre-season camp in Italy, he scored six goals in a friendly against Italian side FC Gherdeina.{{cite news |title=Leeds United hammer Italian minnows FC Gherdeina 16–0 |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-hammer-italian-minnows-fc-gherdeina-16-0-1-6723461 |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |date=11 July 2014 |access-date=11 July 2014}} On 18 August, at the start of the 2014–15 season and following a successful debut year at the club, Smith signed a new three-year contract.{{cite news|access-date=18 August 2014|date=18 August 2014 |title=Smith Signs New Deal |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/d0znkoe3jkui1lf3ngjqcfgim/title/smith-signs-new-deal}} One week later, he scored his first goal of the season against Bradford City in the League Cup, opening the scoring in a 2–1 defeat.{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/325040/report|title=UNITED EDGED OUT AT BRADFORD|publisher=Sky Sports|date=27 August 2014 |access-date=27 August 2014}} The following week, on the final day of the transfer window, Smith was sold to Fulham.{{cite web |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/matt-smith-leeds-transfer-exit-18144750|title=It was really bizarre|publisher=Leeds Live|date=24 April 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020}}

On 1 September 2014, Fulham signed Smith for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29024219|title=Transfer deadline day: Matt Smith joins Fulham from Leeds|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 September 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014}} Smith was given a straight red card 18 minutes into his Fulham debut in a 3–0 loss against Reading.{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/9469002/magath-defends-smith-sending-off|title=Fulham manager Felix Magath defends Matt Smith after red|publisher=Sky Sports|date=13 September 2014|access-date=13 September 2014}} Following the sacking of Felix Magath a week later, and the subsequent appointment of Kit Symons as manager soon after, Smith was limited to a further two substitute appearances in almost three months at Craven Cottage.

Smith moved on loan to League One side Bristol City on 25 November for two months.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30232378 |title=Matt Smith: Fulham striker joins Bristol City on loan|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 November 2014 |access-date=27 November 2014}} This was then later extended by a further month until 1 March.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31020624 |title=Matt Smith: Bristol City extend Fulham striker's loan deal|publisher=BBC Sport}} After joining Bristol City on loan, Smith registered his first goal for the club in his fifth appearance, scoring the opener in a 2–1 home victory against West Country rivals Yeovil Town on Boxing Day.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30543846|title=Bristol City 2-1 Yeovil Town |publisher=BBC Sport}} This began a sequence of nine goals in five games – including four in one match, away at Gillingham in the Football League Trophy semi-final.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30629908|title=Gillingham 2–4 Bristol City|publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 January 2015|access-date=7 January 2015}} After completing his hat-trick with a back-heel, Smith's fourth was a half-volley from the angle of the penalty area, which later won the "Goal of the Tournament".{{cite web|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/news/article/2015/matt-smith-claims-johnstones-paint-ultimate-finish-award-2448038.aspx|title=Matt Smith claims Johnstone's Paint Ultimate Finish Award|work=Football League}} He was the first player to score four goals in a game for Bristol City since Paul Agostino against St Albans in 1996.{{cite web |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-City-boss-Steve-Cotterill-confident-goal/story-25813447-detail/story.html|title=Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill confident he can keep goal-star Matt Smith as Todd Kane returns to Chelsea|work=Bristol Post|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402102431/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-City-boss-Steve-Cotterill-confident-goal/story-25813447-detail/story.html |archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}} Another goal from Smith in the second leg of the tie helped secure Bristol City a place in the Football League Trophy final at Wembley against Walsall on 22 March, however due to his loan agreement ending on 1 March, he would be ineligible to play in this fixture. Despite this, manager Steve Cotterill insisted Smith join the squad on their trip to Wembley as a guest, to which Smith said he felt "honoured" and added it was "a touch of class from the manager."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31056735|title= Matt Smith: Bristol City loanee set to be Wembley guest|publisher=BBC Sport}} Soon after, Smith took his tally to 13 goals for the Robins when he opened the scoring against Sheffield United.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31423459|title= Bristol City 1-3 Sheffield United|publisher=BBC Sport}} On the conclusion of his loan spell, Cotterill hailed Smith's impact and contribution at the club over the course of the three months as "huge".{{cite web|url=http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/matts-contribution-has-been-huge-cotterill-2298426.aspx|title=Matt's contribution has been huge - Cotterill|author=Adam Baker|work=bcfc.co.uk}}

File:Matt Smith 10-09-2016 2.jpg in 2016]]

Smith returned to Fulham on 1 March and scored his first goal for the club five days later in his Craven Cottage debut against Bournemouth.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31654572|title= Fulham 1-5 Bournemouth|publisher=BBC Sport}} In the following game, Smith scored the equalizer against Sheffield Wednesday away at Hillsborough in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31776030|title=Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Fulham|publisher=BBC Sport}} He then went on to score goals against Wigan, Blackpool and Norwich. Smith finished the 2014–15 season with 19 goals in all competitions.

On 31 January 2017, the final day of the January transfer window, QPR signed Smith for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/qpr-and-fulham-agree-deal-worth-up-to-1m-for-striker-matt-smith-a3453451.html|title= QPR and Fulham agree deal worth up to £1m for striker Matt Smith|work=Evening Standard|location=London|date=31 January 2017|access-date=31 January 2017}} He contributed 20 league goals in his first full season at the club, with 11 goals and 9 assists in the Championship, which also made him the club's top goal scorer in the 2017–18 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.qpr.co.uk/news/club-news/qprs-matt-smith-proud-of-best-return/|title=QPR's Matt Smith proud of best return|publisher=QPR website|date=4 May 2018|access-date=4 May 2018}}

File:Matt.Smith.Training.jpg's training ground in 2020]]

On 1 July 2019, Smith signed for Millwall on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news |title=Matt Smith: Millwall sign striker from QPR |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48833480 |publisher=BBC Sport}} In his first season with the club, Smith scored 14 goals in all competitions, making him the club's top goalscorer in the 2019–20 season. This included a 13-minute hat-trick in a win over Nottingham Forest on 6 March 2020, away at the City Ground.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51669219|title=Matt Smith scored a hat-trick as Millwall boosted their Championship play-off hopes and delivered a blow to Nottingham Forest's promotion challenge with a convincing win at the City Ground.|publisher=BBC|date=6 March 2020|access-date=6 March 2020}}

On 19 January 2022, Smith signed an 18-month contract with EFL League Two side Salford City.{{Cite web |url=https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/matt-smith-signs-190122/ |title=Matt Smith signs for Salford |publisher=Salford City FC |date=19 January 2022 |access-date=19 January 2022}} His first goal for the club proved vital, putting The Ammies ahead for a second time in a 2–1 home win against Carlisle United on 1 February.{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/36443/12502713/salford-2-1-carlisle-matt-smith-steers-city-to-victory |title=Salford 2-1 Carlisle: Matt Smith steers City to victory |date=1 February 2022 |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Sky Sports}}

On 20 December, Smith scored the only goal of the game to help Salford beat Port Vale and reach the quarter-finals of EFL Trophy.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64025220 |title=Salford City 1-0 Port Vale |date=20 December 2022 |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport}} On 29 December, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win against Grimsby Town.{{cite web |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11769/12771509/grimsby-1-4-salford-matt-smith-scores-hat-trick-in-victory-for-city |title=Grimsby 1-4 Salford: Matt Smith scores hat-trick in victory for City |date=29 December 2022 |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=Sky Sports}} In the first leg of the semi-finals play-off against Stockport County at Moor Lane on 13 May 2023, Smith scored the only goal of the game from a header to give Salford the advantage going into the second leg.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65527438 |title=Salford City 1-0 Stockport County: Matt Smith gives Ammies first-leg win |date=13 May 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport}}

On 29 August 2023, Smith scored the opening goal against former club Leeds in the second round of the EFL Cup; the game finished 1–1 before Salford won on penalties to reach the third round for the first time.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66577676 |title=Carabao Cup: Salford City 1-1 Leeds United (9-8 pens): League Two side stun Whites in epic penalty shootout |date=29 August 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=BBC Sport}} On 24 October, Smith scored a hat-trick against Doncaster Rovers in a 3–0 victory.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-24 |title=Doncaster Rovers 0-3 Salford City |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67130210 |access-date=2024-03-19 |work=BBC}} He was awarded the EFL League Two Player of the Month award for October 2023 having scored eight goals and assisted a further two.{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2023/november/10/matt-smith-wins-monthly-league-award/|title=Matt Smith wins monthly league award|website=www.salfordcityfc.co.uk|date=10 November 2023|accessdate=14 November 2023}} In November, Smith made the 500th professional appearance of his career.{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2023/november/23/salford-city-s-matt-smith-prepares-to-mark-memorable-milestone/ |title=Salford City's Matt Smith prepares to mark memorable milestone |date=23 November 2023 |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=English Football League}}

On 20 April, Smith scored his 25th goal of the season, a 92nd minute winner against Newport County,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68804655 |title=Newport County 0-1 Salford City: Matt Smith's injury-time goal ends losing run |date=20 April 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} and at the end of the season, Smith was voted as Salford Supporters' Player of the Year and the Players' Player of the Year,{{cite web |url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2024/april/27/smith-a-double-winner-in-the-end-of-season-awards/ |title=Smith's a double winner in the End of Season Awards |date=27 April 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=Salford City F.C.}} before announcing his departure from the club in an open letter to the club.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c51nj8pv7xvo |title=Smith to leave Salford with 'heavy heart' |date=30 April 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}

On 19 August 2024, Smith announced his retirement from playing football.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvg3nnlge89o|title=Matt Smith: Striker has announced his retirement|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 August 2024|accessdate=20 August 2024}}

Former Oldham manager Lee Johnson as well as former Oldham caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk have likened Smith to Duncan Ferguson or Andy Carroll.{{cite news |title=Oldham Athletic v Everton: League One striker Matt Smith could be the next Duncan Ferguson or Andy Carroll|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/oldham-athletic/9893413/Oldham-Athletic-v-Everton-League-One-striker-Matt-Smith-could-be-the-next-Duncan-Ferguson-or-Andy-Carroll.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |date=25 February 2013 |access-date=25 February 2013}}{{cite news|title=EXCLUSIVE: Oldham boss Lee Johnson gives his verdict on Bristol City's next signing|url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE-Oldham-boss-Lee-Johnson-gives-verdict/story-24769217-detail/story.html|work=Bristol Post|date=27 November 2014|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204124520/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE-Oldham-boss-Lee-Johnson-gives-verdict/story-24769217-detail/story.html|archive-date=4 December 2014|url-status=dead}}

Smith's father Ian is a former professional footballer having played for both Queen's Park and Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Football League, and for Birmingham City in the English First Division. His grandfather, James, is also a former professional who played league football for St Mirren and Clyde.{{cite news|title=Matt Keeps It in the Family |url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0,,10337~2365234,00.html |work=Oldham Athletic AFC |date=23 May 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530014059/http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0%2C%2C10337~2365234%2C00.html |archive-date=30 May 2011}} His half-brother Jean-Francois is a former professional basketball player, who played for Hyères-Toulon Var Basket in the French Pro A League.{{cite news |title=Non-League spotlight: Solihull Moors striker Matt Smith on his England dreams |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/birmingham-non-league-football/2011/04/30/non-league-spotlight-solihull-moors-striker-matt-smith-on-his-england-dreams-97319-28608646/ |work=Birmingham Mail |date=30 April 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011}} Smith's wife Amy is the daughter of football manager and former player Steve Bruce; in October 2024, the couple's four-month old son Madison died.{{cite news |title=Steve Bruce's family ties to 'aid West Brom's Jed Wallace chase' |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/2022/05/23/steve-bruces-family-ties-to-aid-west-broms-jed-wallace-chase// |work=Shropshire Star |date=23 May 2022 |access-date=11 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/steve-bruce-to-miss-blackpool-match-after-four-month-old-grandson-dies-461974|title=Steve Bruce to miss Blackpool match after four-month-old grandson dies|first=Zoe|last=Hodges|work=Joe|date=19 October 2024|accessdate=21 October 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://talksport.com/football/2179777/steve-bruce-blackpool-vs-barnsley-family-bereavement/|title=Steve Bruce to miss Blackpool vs Barnsley clash after tragic passing of four-month-old grandson|publisher=TalkSport|first=Phil|last=Spencer|date=18 October 2024|accessdate=21 October 2024}}

Smith completed his A-Levels in Cheltenham's Pate's Grammar School whilst a trainee at Cheltenham Town. In September 2007 he went to Manchester to study for a degree at Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, with a year spent in the United States at Arizona State University. He graduated in the summer of 2011 with a 2:1 in International Management with American Business Studies.{{cite news |date=4 August 2011 |title=Matt hoping to learn quickly |work=Oldham Advertiser |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/sport/football/s/1454430_matt-hoping-to-learn-quickly |access-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112195718/http://menmedia.co.uk/oldhamadvertiser/sport/football/s/1454430_matt-hoping-to-learn-quickly |archive-date=12 November 2012}} Whilst at Manchester he was also captain of the university's men's football team, was called up to the Great Britain squad for the World University Games in China in 2011 and was nominated for the university's Sportsman of the Year Award.{{cite news |title=University footballer gets England call-up| url=http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/display/?id=7019 |work=University of Manchester |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=6 August 2011}}

Despite being English-born, Smith was also eligible for both the Scotland and France national teams as his father was born in Edinburgh and his mother Françoise was born in Paris.{{cite news |title=HIS dad is a proud Scot and his brother plays professional basketball in France but there's no questioning Matt Smith's international loyalties. |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/non-league-spotlight-solihull-moors-striker-153540 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=30 April 2011|access-date=30 April 2011}}

{{updated|match played 28 April 2024}}

{{notelist}}

Bristol City

• Football League One: 2014–15

Individual

• Football League One Player of the Month: April 2013
• EFL League Two Player of the Month: October 2023{{cite news|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2023/november/10/see-the-sky-bet-league-two-manager-and-player-of-the-month-winners-for-october/|title=See the Sky Bet League Two Manager and Player of the Month winners for October|date=10 November 2023}}
• EFL League Two Team of the Season: 2023–24{{cite news |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2024/april/14/see-who-made-the-efl-team-of-the-season/ |title=See who made the EFL Team of the Season line-ups |website=EFL |date=14 April 2024 |access-date=14 April 2024}}
• Salford City Supporters' Player of the Season: 2023–24{{cite news |url=https://www.salfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2024/april/27/smith-a-double-winner-in-the-end-of-season-awards/ |title=Smith's a double winner in the End of Season Awards |website=Salford City FC |date=27 April 2024 |access-date=1 May 2024}}
• Salford City Players' Player of the Season: 2023–24

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Soccerbase}}
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• {{Soccerway|matt-smith/146786}}

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Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:New Mills A.F.C. players

Category:Redditch United F.C. players

Category:Littleton F.C. players

Category:Droylsden F.C. players

Category:Solihull Moors F.C. players

Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players

Category:Macclesfield Town F.C. players

Category:Leeds United F.C. players

Category:Fulham F.C. players

Category:Bristol City F.C. players

Category:Queens Park Rangers F.C. players

Category:Millwall F.C. players

Category:Salford City F.C. players

Category:National League (English football) players

Category:English Football League players

Category:People educated at Pate's Grammar School

Category:Alumni of the University of Manchester

Category:English people of Scottish descent

Category:English people of French descent

Category:21st-century English sportsmen