Career
Smith began his career with Sunderland, making 25 appearances in all competitions without scoring in five seasons at the club He made 7 appearances for Hartlepool United on loan in 1992. Smith went on to play 4 games for Northampton Town before retiring due to injury at the age of 24.
Smith was named manager of Northern League side Chester-le-Street Town in September 2011, but left the club in June 2012 to join Gateshead.
On 10 December 2012, Smith was named caretaker manager at Gateshead after Ian Bogie & Terry Mitchell were relieved of their duties. Three days later, Smith was named permanent manager and given a contract until the end of the 2012-2013 season.
After a 17th-place finish, Smith was given a one-year contract for the 2013-2014 season. Smith resigned from his post on 18 August 2013 after defeats in the opening three games of the 2013-2014 season.