Sue Smith (footballer)

Last updated

Sue Smith
Sue Smith.jpg
Smith in July 2009
Personal information
Full name Susan Jane Smith [1]
Date of birth (1979-11-24) 24 November 1979 (age 44)
Place of birth Prescot, [2] England
Height 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) [2]
Position(s) Winger, Forward
Youth career
Rainhill United
St. Helens
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
1994–2002 Tranmere Rovers
2002–2010 Leeds United
2010–2011 Lincoln Ladies 14 (2)
2011–2016 Doncaster Rovers Belles
International career
1997–2012 England 93 (16)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 31 August 2011
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:08, 6 March 2012 (UTC)

Susan Jane Smith (born 24 November 1979) is a former English international footballer who last played for Doncaster Rovers Belles and England as a winger. [3]

Contents

Club career

Smith played for Tranmere Rovers since she was a teenager, but after years of fielding several offers from top clubs around the country, she signed on for Leeds United (known as Leeds Carnegie from 2008 until 2010) in the summer of 2002. [4]

Following the failure of Leeds' bid to join the FA WSL, Smith signed for Lincoln Ladies in August 2010. [5] In December 2011 Smith joined Doncaster Rovers Belles, who had tried to sign her on two previous occasions. Belles manager John Buckley described the capture of Smith as "a tremendous coup for the club". [6] Smith scored on her Belles debut in a 21 FA Women's Cup win at Barnet, but was later carried off with damaged cruciate and medial ligaments. When she was subsequently ruled out for at least nine months, Buckley rued "a disaster for Sue and a disaster for the club." [7]

After some injuries she left Doncaster before the 2017 season. [8] She never announced her retirement from football, but has not played since the end of the 2016 season.

International career

Smith made her England debut as a 17–year–old substitute in February 1997, scoring in a 6–4 friendly defeat to Germany at Deepdale in Preston. [9] One of her brightest England moments was scoring a hat-trick of tremendous goals in a home friendly against Spain in March 2001. [10]

She has twice won the Nationwide International Player of the Year award – in 1999 and 2001. [11] In 1999 she was also voted Players' Player of the Year. [12]

Before winning the 1999 awards, Smith represented her country when she was picked to play in a FIFA XI against the USA in a showpiece match in San Jose. [4] [12]

She made her domestic comeback at the start of the 2002–03 season after suffering a broken leg and torn ligament damage after a training ground accident in February, [4] and after featuring in the series of friendlies in the build-up to Euro 2005, narrowly missed selection in the final 20.

Smith bounced back, scoring against Austria in the first World Cup qualifier of the campaign, and was twice runner-up in the FA Women's Cup with her club Leeds United.

In May 2009, Smith was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by The Football Association. [13] In June 2011 she was surprisingly left out of England's 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup squad. [14]

Smith was allotted 118 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international. [15] [16]

International goals

Scores and results list England's goal tally first.
#DateVenueOpponentResultCompetition
127 February 1997 Deepdale, Preston Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 4–6 Friendly
230 October 1997 Boleyn Ground, London Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 1–0 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup qual.
313 September 1998 Stadionul Poiana, Câmpina Flag of Romania.svg  Romania 4–1 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup qual.
417 October 1999 Sportanlagen Trinermatten, Zofingen Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland 1–0 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qual.
520 February 2000Estádio do Sport Grupo Sacavenense, Lisbon Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal 2–2 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qual.
623 April 2000 Oakwell, Barnsley Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal 2–0 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qual.
713 May 2000 Memorial Ground, Bristol Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland 1–0 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qual.
828 November 2000 Brisbane Road, London Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine 2–0 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qual.
922 March 2001 Kenilworth Road, Luton Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 4–2 Friendly
10
11
1213 March 2005Estádio Fernando Cabrita, Lagos Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 5–0 Algarve Cup
131 September 2005Ertl-Glas Stadion, Amstetten Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 4–1 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qual.
1420 April 2006 Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 4–0 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qual.
159 March 2011 Dasaki Stadium, Akhna Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 2–0 Cyprus Cup
16

Honours

2009–10
1995–96
1998–99
1998–99, 2000–01

Media career

In 2000, Smith and her Tranmere teammates featured in a television advert for Daz washing powder alongside Julian Clary. [17] Smith was later a regular contributor to the Yorkshire Evening Post's women's football section, and also offered her views and commentary skills for BBC sport. Most recently Smith appeared alongside Manchester United's Wayne Rooney in his three-part Sky1 show 'Street Striker'.

In July 2009 Smith was awarded an honorary degree by Edge Hill University. [18] In November 2010 she opened Chipping Sodbury Secondary School's sports centre. [19]

She has also appeared as a co-presenter on EFL on Quest , an EFL highlights show on Quest. [20]

She currently works as analyst and colour commentator for many platforms, often seen in Sky Sports for Women's Super League games.

In 2023, she was added as a commentator on EA Sports FC 24, commentating alongside Guy Mowbray.

Personal life

Throughout her career Smith has been recognisable by her hairstyles. [21] She is an Everton F.C. supporter. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doncaster Rovers Belles L.F.C.</span> Womens association football club in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England

Doncaster Rovers Belles Ladies Football Club, previously Doncaster Belles, is an English women's football club that currently plays in the FA Women's National League Division One North, the fourth tier of women's football in England. The club's administration is based at their home ground of Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jody Handley</span> English footballer

Jody Handley is an English former footballer from Stafford, who most recently played for FA WSL 2 club Doncaster Rovers Belles. A pacy and intelligent attacking player, she featured as both a wide midfielder and striker for England as well as clubs including Wolves Women, Liverpool Ladies and Everton Ladies. She has featured in four FA Women's Cup finals with three clubs, losing the first three but captaining Everton Ladies to their win in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vicky Exley</span> English footballer

Vicky Exley is an English former international footballer from Rotherham in South Yorkshire. She most recently played for Doncaster Rovers Belles in the FA WSL, the top division of women's football in England. Exley also played over 50 times for England's national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Holtham</span> English footballer

Katie Ann Holtham is an English footballer who last played as a midfielder for Australian W-League club Perth Glory. Holtham's manager at former club Leeds Carnegie, Rick Passmoor, described her as: "strong, athletic and a good box to box midfield player."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rachel Williams (footballer)</span> English footballer

Rachel Louise Williams is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester United of the English Women's Super League.

Karen Burke is a former English footballer. She most recently played for Blackburn Rovers Ladies. Burke was born in Liverpool and represented England at full international level.

Natalie Preston is an English female former football midfielder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Natasha Dowie</span> English footballer (born 1988)

Natasha Khalila Dowie is an English former footballer. She represented the England women's national football team at the youth level before making her senior international debut in 2009. Dowie played for the London teams Watford, Fulham and Charlton Athletic, and then spent five years with Everton before transferring to FA WSL clubs Liverpool Ladies in November 2012 and Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2016. She also spent three periods on loan with Melbourne Victory of the Australian W-League in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and played for Boston Breakers in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in 2016 and 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katie Anderton</span> English footballer

Katie Anderton is an English football striker. Born in Preston, she represented Tranmere Rovers Ladies and spent several years with Blackburn Rovers Ladies before joining FA WSL club Doncaster Rovers Belles. After failing to make an appearance for Doncaster due to injury, Anderton returned to Blackburn in October 2011. She has represented England at junior level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhiannon Roberts</span> Welsh footballer (born 1990)

Rhiannon Beth "Razza" Roberts is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Spanish Liga F club Real Betis. Born in England, she plays for the Wales women's national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Becky Easton</span> English footballer

Rebecca Anne Easton is an English former footballer who played for Doncaster Rovers Belles, Everton and Liverpool.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophie Bradley-Auckland</span> English footballer (born 1989)

Sophie Elizabeth Bradley-Auckland is an English former international football defender who played for Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Lincoln Ladies, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Liverpool, and, Sheffield United.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joanne Broadhurst</span> English footballer and coach

Joanne Broadhurst is an English football coach and former player. As an attacking midfielder or forward she represented England at full international level. Broadhurst also played for English clubs Doncaster Belles, Arsenal and Croydon/Charlton Athletic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christie Harrison-Murray</span> Scottish footballer

Christie Harrison-Murray is a Scottish footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and captains Birmingham City in the FA WSL. She has also played for Arsenal, Bristol Academy, and Doncaster Rovers Belles of the FA WSL, as well as Celtic and Glasgow City of the Scottish Women's Premier League. Since making her debut in 2010, Harrison-Murray has won eighty one caps for the Scotland national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amy James-Turner</span> English footballer

Amy James-Turner is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Women's Super League club Tottenham Hotspur. She has been capped four times for the England national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Millie Bright</span> English footballer (born 1993)

Millie Bright is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Women's Super League club Chelsea who she captains, and the England national team. She previously played for Doncaster Belles and Leeds Ladies, and represented England on the under-19 and under-23 national teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Courtney Sweetman-Kirk</span> English footballer

Courtney Alexandra Sweetman-Kirk is an English footballer who plays as a forward, most recently for Sheffield United in the FA Women's Championship. She has also previously played for FA WSL clubs Liverpool, Everton, Notts County and Lincoln as well as Coventry City and Leicester City in the FA Women's Premier League. Sweetman-Kirk has represented England at under-23 level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessica Sigsworth</span> English footballer

Jessica Lucy Sigsworth is a former English professional footballer who played as a striker for Manchester United, Sheffield United, Notts County, Doncaster Rovers Belles and Leicester City, and has represented England at numerous youth levels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirsty Hanson</span> Association football player

Kirsty Hanson is a footballer who plays as a forward for English Women's Super League club Aston Villa and the Scotland national team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julie Chipchase</span> British footballer and football club manager (1961–2021)

Julie Chipchase was an English football player and manager. Commonly known as Chippy, she is regarded as a pioneering female football coach who played an important role in the development of women's football in England.

References

  1. "Player Statistics". FIFA. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  2. 1 2 "Biography". The Official Sue Smith Website. Archived from the original on 15 July 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  3. Sue Smith signs for Lincoln She Kicks, 4 August 2010
  4. 1 2 3 "Smith's shock move to Leeds". The Football Association. 17 July 2002. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  5. Lincoln Ladies sign England winger Sue Smith BBC Sport 4 August 2010
  6. "Sue Smith signs for Doncaster". She Kicks. 7 December 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  7. Goodwin, Paul (15 March 2012). "Injury heartache for Doncaster Rovers Belles star Sue Smith". Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
  8. "Former England star Sue Smith leaves Doncaster Rovers Belles". doncasterfreepress.co.uk. 10 February 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  9. Hadfield, Dave (28 February 1997). "England exposed by Muller" . The Independent . Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  10. Sue Thearle (23 March 2001). "Smith triple fires England to victory". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  11. Sue Thearle (19 June 2001). "Award is timely boost for Smith". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  12. 1 2 "F.A. WOMEN'S FOOTBALL AWARDS SPONSORED BY AXA 1998/1999". PR Newswire. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
  13. "England Women awarded contracts". BBC Sport. 14 May 2009. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
  14. Glenn Moore (11 June 2011). "Smith is the surprise omission in Powell's squad for Germany" . The Independent . Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  15. "England squad named for World Cup". The Football Association. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  16. Lacey-Hatton, Jack (18 November 2022). "Lionesses introduce 'legacy numbers' for players past and present". mirror. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  17. Sue Thearle (8 December 2000). "Smith is England gem". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  18. "England women's footballer Sue Smith receives honorary degree from Edge Hill University". Ormskirk Advertiser. 23 July 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
  19. "Sue kicks off sports facilities". Bristol Evening Post. 30 November 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  20. "Discovery+ | Stream 55,000+ Real-Life TV Episodes".
  21. Small Talk: Sue Smith The Guardian, 28 April 2006
  22. "Behind the scenes". The Football Association. Retrieved 1 September 2010.