Smelt, Lee

Birth Date

13th March 1958

Birthplace

Edmonton, Middlesex

Occupation

Goalkeeper

Biographical Text

Goalkeeper Lee Smelt played a dozen or so games for Exeter City when on loan from Cardiff City towards the end of the 1984/85 season. Starting with Gravesend & Northfleet he had played over a hundred league matches for Halifax Town and played for Maidstone United after leaving Ninian Park.

Working his way through the junior sides at Colchester United, Smelt gained his first full contract in July 1975. He never made the first team though and then moved to Southern League, Gravesend and Northfleet. He got another Football League chance with Nottingham Forest in June 1980 and made one league outing for them. He also played five games on loan with Peterborough United in 1981-82. Moving to Halifax Town in October 1981, Smelt enjoyed the best spell of his career becoming their regular keeper and playing in 119 league matches. He then joined Cardiff City in August 1984, where he added a further 37 league appearances.

Smelt was loaned by Cardiff to Exeter City in March 1985, and he played in the final 13 games of the season, the first of which was against his former club, Colchester United, at St James’ Park.

Upon leaving Cardiff City in 1986, Smelt signed for Maidstone United and, after serving in the police, became a goalkeeping coach with the Charlton Athletic academy. His son Jack, also a goalkeeper, played for several non-league clubs in the Kent area.

Appearances

13

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