Having been with Cambridge United, for whom he once scored the winner from the penalty spot against Newcastle United his hometown club, Kevin Smith arrived at St James’ Park in 1984 and stayed a season before moving on to Torquay United. He was later a prolific scorer in Westcountry non-league football most notably for Tiverton Town with whom he won the FA Vase.

Kevin started his career with Cambridge United as an apprentice, signing a full deal in November 1982. He went on to play in 38 league matches scoring four goals including one against promotion-chasing Newcastle United.

He was transferred to Exeter City in October 1984 making his debut at home to Chester City and notching his first goal for the Grecians in the 4-3 win at Colchester United. At the end of the season - after starting just over twenty league games and scoring twice - Kevin was released and, choosing to stay in the area, signed for Torquay United in July 1985. After one season at Plainmoor, when he scored one goal in 23 league appearances, he signed for Dawlish Town whilst taking up employment as a postman in Exeter.

A prolific scorer with Dawlish, Kevin then joined Exmouth Town and, continuing his goalscoring exploits, signed for Tiverton Town in 1990 where in eight years he netted more than 300 times. Captain of the Tiverton Town side that reached Wembley and won the F.A. Vase in 1998, he left the club shortly afterwards and later played for Alphington Town before managing Budleigh Salterton and Exeter Civil Service.