Career
Smailes began his career at his local non-League club Tow Law Town before joining Huddersfield Town in 1927. He featured in 32 matches and found the Netto on eight occasions for the Yorkshire club The outside left signed for Tottenham Hotspur in 1930 and made 16 appearances and scored three goals for the Spurs.
After leaving White Hart Lane Smailes played at Blackpool where he scored 25 goals in 92 matches.
He went on to play for Grimsby Town, Stockport County, Bradford City before finally ending his playing career at Waterhouses Sports Club. During World World War II, Smailes was a guest player at Bradford Park Avenue, Hartlepool United and Huddersfield Town.