Smith Herbert Image 1 Reading 1906

Description

Witney born left back Herbert Smith played for Oxford Schools and Witney in 1898, and then for Richmond in 1899 before joining Southern League Reading in 1900. He had spells with Oxford City in 1902 during his Reading stay, and returned there after he left Elm Park in 1908. He had been the Reading club captain and the only unpaid member of the side.

Smith also assisted First Division Stoke, making his Football League debut for them against Derby County in November 1902 and playing twice more over the next month, and also for Derby County, making one league appearance against Sheffield Wednesday in April 1907. He also represented Richmond Association and Oxfordshire FA.

He won 4 full England caps making his debut against Wales at Anfield in March 1905 and being capped a month later against Scotland, winning 2 further caps in February and March 1906 against Ireland and Wales. He also won 17 England Amateur caps, being captain 3 times, between November 1906, when he played in the very first England Amateur international, a 15-0 win over France at Le Parc Des Princes, and November 1909. He also won a Gold Medal in the 1908 Summer Olympics as Great Britain defeated Denmark in the Final, playing in all three matches.

NB This photograph was taken on 8th January 1906 before an Amateurs v Professionals England trial match played at Craven Cottage, Fulham, which the Professionals XI won 1-0.

Amateurs (white shirts): Back Row – PH Farnfield, JG Witherington, CD McIver, HA Nulton

Middle Row – SH Day, Vivian Woodward, Herbert Smith, SS Harris (captain)

Front Row – EGD Wright, TS Rowlandson, GC Vassall

Professionals (striped shirts): Back Row – Jimmy Ashcroft, Joe Walton, Archie Cross, Peter Chambers

Middle Row – Walter Bull, Fred Blackburn, Riley, Fred Threlfall

Front Row – Arthur “Pat” Collins, Tim Coleman, Fred Harrison