James Smith (born 20 January 1947 in Glasgow) is a Scottish former footballer. Smith played for Aberdeen, Washington Whips, Newcastle United and Celtic. He also appeared in four international matches for Scotland, between 1968 and 1974.
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Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | James Smith[1] | ||
Date of birth | (1947-01-20) 20 January 1947 (age 75) | ||
Place of birth | Glasgow, Scotland | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Youth career | |||
Benburb | |||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1965–1969 | Aberdeen | 103 | (21) |
1967 | → Washington Whips | ||
1969–1975 | Newcastle United | 129 | (13) |
1975 | → Celtic (loan) | 0 | (0) |
Total | 232 | (34) | |
National team | |||
1968–1974 | Scotland | 4 | (0) |
1968 | Scottish League XI | 1 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
During his career he played initially for Aberdeen where he was popularly known as "Jinky". He won a Scottish Cup runners up medal in 1967, as Aberdeen lost to Celtic in the final. Aberdeen represented Washington Whips in summer 1967 in the United Soccer Association's inaugural season. In the final, which Washington lost 6-5 to Los Angeles Wolves, Smith was sent off after 30 minutes.
His younger brother Joe also played for Aberdeen, winning a Scottish League Cup winners' medal in November 1976 when Aberdeen beat Celtic 2–0 in the final.
He transferred from Aberdeen to Newcastle United in July 1969 for a fee of £80,000. He became a popular player amongst the club's supporters with his mazy runs and flair.
Smith experienced a series of knee problems and was sent out on loan to Celtic in the hope it would recover him from the injury problems and allow him to regain form. He failed to do this, however, and was forced to retire at the age of 29.
He also won four caps for Scotland. The first was when he was with Aberdeen in a 0-0 draw v Netherlands in 1968. He then collected three further caps when at Newcastle in a six-month period between November 1973 and May 1974.[2]
He also played once for the Scottish Football League XI.[3]