Bob Smith, who had been one of the most promising full-backs of his generation when with Bolton Wanderers, signed for Exeter City on the eve of the 1939/40 season. With the season soon abandoned because of the outbreak of war, he never made a first-team appearance for the Grecians. 

Becoming a professional with Bolton Wanderers in the early 1930s, he would have been known to Dick Pym - City’s assistant trainer - whose career as Bolton ‘s goalkeeper was coming to an end at the same time. Establishing himself in the right-back position, Bob made ninety-nine league appearances for the Trotters and came close to England selection when he was named as cover for George Male for the unofficial Jubilee Fund game against Scotland in August 1935.   

Soon afterwards he fell ill, reported in the press as sciatica, and he eventually left the professional game to sign for Colwyn Bay United in the Birmingham & District League. Briefly returning to the Football League ranks with Huddersfleld, his career was again at the crossroads when he arrived at St James’ Park in spite of Dick Pym speaking so approvingly of him.     

Taking up position in City’s reserve team in the Southern League, he played in each of the first three Southern League games and was perhaps biding his time as Jack Blood - another new signing - occupied the right-back slot for the first-team. But, with war being declared, Bob’s brief Exeter City career came to a sudden halt.

After the war he managed Ajax Amsterdam between 1947 and 1948 when the Dutch club had a succession of British managers.