Smith: Leonard (Len)

1922-1926 (Player Details)

Left Half

Born: Birmingham: 1903

Debut v Derby County (a): 28-04-1923

5’10” 12st 6lb (1925)

Smith was born one hundred yards from Villa Park but was not picked up by Aston Villa. Instead he joined Non-League Redditch and had trials with Leeds towards the end of the 1921-22 season, signing for United in May 1922. He deputised for Harry Sherwin, Jim Baker and Josh Atkinson and, while never a regular, he still played his part over four seasons. He moved to Bristol Rovers in June 1926, but in March 1928 cancelled his contract to take up a commercial appointment, having scored once in forty-five League appearances. He re-emerged in 1929 with Merthyr Tydfil for the Welsh club’s last-ever season in the Football League, making twenty-five League appearances. In May 1930 he joined Second Division Wolverhampton Wanderers but did not make the first team. He moved into Non-League with Evesham Town in the summer of 1931 and Witley Wanderers in September 1932.