The club have recently been made aware of the sad news that former player Mike Smith has died aged 77.
Smith was born in Quardon, Derbyshire in 1935 and played for Derby County from 1957 to the close season of 1961 when he joined City.
He made 22 league appearances for Derby. He made his City debut in August 1961 in a 2-2 home draw with York City. He was a regular at centre half in Bob Brocklebank’s side which just fell short of promotion to Division Three in 1961-62. Having made thirty three appearances during that season he began the 1962-63 season as the regular centre half once again. He missed four months of the season through injury, this period was exacerbated by the bad winter, he made a further thirty appearances that season. He made forty two appearances in season 1963-64 when Brocklebank’s side again finished within a win of promotion.
Following the sacking of Bob Brocklebank due to a poor start to the 1964-65 season, Mike also struggled and made just eighteen appearances, but did play in the League Cup Quarter Final tie at Aston Villa. He began the 1965-66 season as the regular centre half, however consecutive 7-1 defeats at Crewe and at home Stockport cost him his place in the side, though he did return to action shortly after.
The signing of Alan Fox in October brought to an end Smith’s career at Valley Parade. He made his final appearance in the 3-1 home defeat by Hartlepool United on October 30. Hartlepool had recently appointed Brian Clough as manager, and the game saw Fox make his debut a day after being transferred from Hartlepool.
Mike Smith was released after 142 league and cup games for City, in all that time he failed to score, this wasn’t particularly unusual for a centre half at that time. He joined Crewton Sports before later joining Lockheed Leamington’.
The thoughts of everyone connected with the football club are with Mike Smith's family and friends.