30th October 1941

Newtown, Montgomeryshire

Goalkeeper

John Smout, a goalkeeper from mid-Wales, made 75 league appearances for Exeter City in a two-year stay between 1966 and 1968. Signed from Crystal Palace, he was an ever-present in 1967/68 but left to return home to play for Newtown ahead of Peter Shearing’s return from Plymouth Argyle. 

John was a reatively latecomer to the Football League when he signed for Crystal Palace as a 23-year-old in August 1965 having previously played for Newtown in mid-Wales. He was to have just one league outing for Palace before moving to Exeter City on a free transfer in June 1966.

John had to wait for his debut against Rochdale in November 1966 before taking the place of Ken Jones. Thereafter a regular choice as he appeared in 29 league games during his first season, John was an ever-present during 1967/68.

Released at the end of the season, he returned home to play for Newtown and was later player-coach before moving to Berriew.

John died in February 2019.

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