Jeffrey "Jeff" Smith (born June 28, 1980 in Middlesbrough), is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Carlisle United in League One.


Footballing Career
Smith started his footballing career at Hartlepool United, in 1998, but got released on year later in 1999, after playing 3 League matches. After his release, Smith joined Non-League team Barrow but failed to impress the club and was released after playing one game for the club, after his release by Barrow, Smith joined Bishop Auckland, Smith's performances, were much improved and Smith impressed Football League clubs, Smith was hailed as one of the best crossers in non league football.[1]

In March 2001, Smith joined Football League club Bolton Wanderers, on a short contract deal, after impressing during a week-long trial, Smith wanted to show Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce that he can make the grade in the Football League.[1] Smith played one league match during the 2000-01 season, a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United, he played the whole 90 minutes. He signed a new contract following Bolton's promotion to the FA Premier League, but struggled to get into the first team, playing one one League Cup match and Allardyce decided to loan Smith, to 3rd Division side Macclesfield Town for 2 months to gain some League experience, Smith scored 2 goals in 8 League games while at The Silkmen and returned to Bolton in mid January 2002, he still struggled to get into the first team, playing one Premiership match against West Ham United, for last game of the season. In the two following season, Smith only played League Cup and FA Cup matches and was loaned out to Scunthorpe United, Rochdale and Preston North End, before being released in the summer of 2004.

In June 2004, Smith joined Port Vale on a 1-year contract.[2] hoping to impress manager Martin Foyle enough to get a new contract. He was a first team regular during his first season at the club and Vale offered Smith a new 2-year contract which he accepted.[3] Smith was also a regular for the 2005-06 season and the 1st half of the 2006-07 season, playing a total of 103 league and club games for the Stoke-on-Trent-based club.

On 25 January, 2007, Smith joined Carlisle United for a fee of £60,000 on a 2½ year contract.[4] Smith made his Carlisle United début in the 0-0 draw against Brentford,[5] scoring his first goal against Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, his goal being a 25 yard strike that flew in to the top corner of the goal in the 56th minute.[6]