Joining from Tottenham Hotspur, where he had failed to make the first-team, Roger Smith scored three times in his six league games for Exeter City in 1966/67 before he moved back to the South East to play for Guildford City. He later became a youth coach and scout.

An apprentice with Tottenham Hotspur, Roger signed a full professional contract in June 1962 but never made a first- team breakthrough.

Arriving at St James’ Park in June 1966, he made his Exeter City debut at Hartlepool United on 24 September when he scored in the 3-1 defeat. Enjoying a run of four games, Roger also scored twice in the 3-2 home win over Halifax Town on 1 October before dropping out of the side and making just two more league appearances in February 1967. 

Leaving Exeter after just one season, Roger signed for Southern League Ashford Town before having spells with Guildford City, Banbury and Epping. Later moving into scouting and coaching he worked for Arsenal, ran a regional centre of excellence in Essex and was the youth academy director at Wimbledon before taking scouting positions with Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic and Arsenal.