Keith Smith was twenty-five and playing for Alfreton Town when he was given an opportunity by Exeter City in 1989. Scoring twice on his first full start, but not again, he later returned to Alfreton. 

Formerly a schoolboy player with Chesterfield, Keith wasn’t offered terms and was a self-employed hairdresser playing for Alfreton Town when he was given a trial by Exeter City in January 1989.

Signing a deal until the end of the season, Keith made his debut as a late substitute for Steve Neville at Wrexham on 21 January. Subsequently named in the starting line-up against Rochdale on 28 January, the 25-year-old scored twice on his full start in the 5-1 win. Thereafter a regular member of the match squad, but not the starting line-up, he accumulated fifteen league appearances before the end of the season with thirteen of these coming from the bench.     

Not offered a new contract at the end of the season, Keith returned to Alfreton Town where - in two spells - he played 120 times scoring 31 goals.