Ryan Smith (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Ryan Craig Matthew Smith (born 10 November 1986 in Islington
) is an English footballer who currently plays for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer
.
. He made his Arsenal debut against Rotherham United
on 28 October 2003 at the age of 16. He also managed to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers
and Middlesbrough
. All of the matches in which he played for Arsenal were in the Carling Cup
, including a game on 9 November 2004 against Everton
which saw him go off injured after 20 minutes.
on loan for the whole of the 2005–06 season. Although initially a first team player for Leicester, he lost his place in the side midway through the season, and after less than six months he and Leicester agreed by mutual consent that the loan should end. He returned to Arsenal on 10 March 2006.
. He made his debut in a 2–2 draw against Southampton
on 6 August. After struggling to break into a Derby side pushing for promotion, and the arrival of several midfielders in the January transfer window.
side Millwall
on 21 March 2007 on an initial one-month loan deal, but this was extended on 17 April 2007 to run until the end of the 2006–07 season. Smith impressed during his time on loan at Millwall and manager Willie Donachie
expressed an interest in retaining the youngster's services. In July 2007 Milwall paid £150,000 for Smith, who signed a two year contract with the club. However, injuries and a big drop in form resulted in limited appearances for Smith at Millwall.
initially on a three month loan. The transfer became permanent on 1 January 2009, when Smith signed a 6-month contract. He was released by Southampton
on 2 May 2009.
. He made his Crystal Palace first team debut on 27 August in the 2–0 Carling Cup defeat to Manchester City coming on as a substitute in the second half. He left on 25 January 2010 after coming to the end of his short term contract.
on trial, playing for The Mariners in a behind the closed doors friendly against Hull City
at Blundell Park
.
On 2 February 2010, it was reported that Smith would join Kansas City Wizards
on trial during their preseason training camp in Arizona,and on 2 March he signed a two-year deal with the club. Smith scored on his Kansas City debut in a 4–0 win over D.C. United
.
While still under contract to Sporting Kansas City, Smith left in June 2011, eventually trialing in Spain with Real Zaragoza
in July. Kansas City declined to transfer him, however.
picks.
. He first attended St. Aloysius College secondary school, which was attended by Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole
, before moving on to Highbury Grove School, where he was a class mate of Jamie O'Hara.
Islington
Islington is a neighbourhood in Greater London, England and forms the central district of the London Borough of Islington. It is a district of Inner London, spanning from Islington High Street to Highbury Fields, encompassing the area around the busy Upper Street...
) is an English footballer who currently plays for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
.
Arsenal
An England youth international, Smith started his career at ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
. He made his Arsenal debut against Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
on 28 October 2003 at the age of 16. He also managed to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
and Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
. All of the matches in which he played for Arsenal were in the Carling Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
, including a game on 9 November 2004 against Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
which saw him go off injured after 20 minutes.
Leicester City
On 30 September 2005, Smith was signed by Leicester CityLeicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
on loan for the whole of the 2005–06 season. Although initially a first team player for Leicester, he lost his place in the side midway through the season, and after less than six months he and Leicester agreed by mutual consent that the loan should end. He returned to Arsenal on 10 March 2006.
Derby County
On 4 August 2006, Smith agreed personal terms on a 3 year contract with Championship outfit Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
. He made his debut in a 2–2 draw against Southampton
Southampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
on 6 August. After struggling to break into a Derby side pushing for promotion, and the arrival of several midfielders in the January transfer window.
Millwall
Smith moved on loan to League OneFootball League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
on 21 March 2007 on an initial one-month loan deal, but this was extended on 17 April 2007 to run until the end of the 2006–07 season. Smith impressed during his time on loan at Millwall and manager Willie Donachie
Willie Donachie
William Donachie is a Scottish former professional footballer. He won 35 full caps for Scotland, playing in the 1978 World Cup.-Career:...
expressed an interest in retaining the youngster's services. In July 2007 Milwall paid £150,000 for Smith, who signed a two year contract with the club. However, injuries and a big drop in form resulted in limited appearances for Smith at Millwall.
Southampton
On 3 October 2008, he joined SouthamptonSouthampton F.C.
Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...
initially on a three month loan. The transfer became permanent on 1 January 2009, when Smith signed a 6-month contract. He was released by Southampton
Southampton
Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
on 2 May 2009.
Crystal Palace
On 26 August 2009, he signed a contract with Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
. He made his Crystal Palace first team debut on 27 August in the 2–0 Carling Cup defeat to Manchester City coming on as a substitute in the second half. He left on 25 January 2010 after coming to the end of his short term contract.
Kansas City Wizards/Sporting KC
On 27 January, Smith joined Grimsby TownGrimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
on trial, playing for The Mariners in a behind the closed doors friendly against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
at Blundell Park
Blundell Park
Blundell Park is a football ground in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, England and home to Grimsby Town Football Club. The stadium was built in 1898, but only one of the original stands remain. The current capacity of the ground is 9546, though with the introduction of all seating in the late...
.
On 2 February 2010, it was reported that Smith would join Kansas City Wizards
Kansas City Wizards
Sporting Kansas City is an American professional soccer club based in Kansas City, Kansas that competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States of America and Canada...
on trial during their preseason training camp in Arizona,and on 2 March he signed a two-year deal with the club. Smith scored on his Kansas City debut in a 4–0 win over D.C. United
D.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
.
While still under contract to Sporting Kansas City, Smith left in June 2011, eventually trialing in Spain with Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza
Real Zaragoza, S.A.D. is a Spanish association football team from Zaragoza in Spain. Founded on 18 March 1932, Real Zaragoza have spent the majority of their 78 year history in the Spanish top-flight. Real Zaragoza are Spain's 9th highest ranked team in overall league points...
in July. Kansas City declined to transfer him, however.
Chivas USA
On November 21, 2011, Sporting Kansas City traded Smith's rights to Chivas USA in exchange for two 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft2012 MLS Supplemental Draft
The 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft is a secondary draft that will be held by Major League Soccer via conference call on January 17, 2012. The draft will be four rounds with all 19 MLS clubs participating.- Changes from 2011 :...
picks.
Career statistics
- (correct as of 30 March 2010)
Club Season League Cup Europe UEFAThe Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....Play-Offs Total Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Arsenal Arsenal F.C.Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...2003–04 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 Arsenal Arsenal F.C.Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...2004–05 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 Total 2003–2006 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 Leicester Leicester City F.C.Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
(loan)2005–06 17 1 3 2 0 0 19 1 3 Total 2005–2006 17 1 3 2 0 0 19 1 3 Derby Derby County F.C.Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...2006–07 15 0 2 5 0 1 20 0 3 Total 2006–2007 15 0 2 5 0 1 20 0 3 Millwall Millwall F.C.Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
(loan)2006–07 6 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 3 Millwall Millwall F.C.Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...2007–08 16 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 Millwall Millwall F.C.Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...2008–09 2008–09 in English footballThe 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Total 2006–2009 17 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 Southampton Southampton F.C.Southampton Football Club is an English football team, nicknamed The Saints, based in the city of Southampton, Hampshire. The club gained promotion to the Championship from League One in the 2010–2011 season after being relegated in 2009. Their home ground is the St Mary's Stadium, where the club...2008–09 2008–09 in English footballThe 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...13 0 1 1 0 0 14 0 1 Total 2006–2009 13 0 1 1 0 0 14 0 1 Crystal Palace Crystal Palace F.C.Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...2009–10 2009–10 in English footballThe 2009–10 season was the 130th season of competitive football in England.The season began on 8 August 2009 for the Championship, League One and League Two and 15 August 2009 for the Premier League...5 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 Total 2009–present 5 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 Sporting Kansas City 2010 Major League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...25 3 6 0 0 0 na na na 1 1 6 Total 2010–present 1 1 1 0 0 0 na na na 1 1 1 Career totals 68 2 7 15 0 1 83 2 24
Personal
Smith's father is American, from New JerseyNew Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
. He first attended St. Aloysius College secondary school, which was attended by Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole
Joe Cole
Joseph John "Joe" Cole is an English footballer who plays for Lille, on loan from Liverpool, and the England national football team as midfielder. He started his career with where he played more than 100 games during five years, until he left for Chelsea in 2003...
, before moving on to Highbury Grove School, where he was a class mate of Jamie O'Hara.
External links
- MLS player profile
- Official website: www.ryansmith11.com