Career
Born in Leeds, Smithard began his career at with the youth team of hometown club Leeds United, winning the 1993 FA Youth Cup. However he never played a first-team game for the club, and Smithard began his professional career during the 1996-1997 season with Bradford City, making one appearance for them in the Football League. After dropping down to non-League football due to injury, Smithard played with a number of teams including Farsley Celtic, Ossett Town and Guiseley.