Smith, Roy


Roy Smith

Roy Smith

Clubs played for: Hereford United, West Ham United, Portsmouth (1955-1962)

Born: 1936

Birthplace: Rawalpindi, India

Position: Outside-right

Biography: Born in India to British parents, the family returned to the UK where Roy’s budding talents were first displayed for Woodford Town Youths. During National Service in Wiltshire, Roy signed amateur forms for Southern League Hereford United, and in 1955, on the completion of his duties for Queen and Country, a big move to West Ham United. Two seasons at Upton Park produced just 9 first team appearances and one goal, and a season back in the Southern League with Clacton Town, until Jack White brought Roy to Milton Road towards the end of the 1958/59 season. I think I can safely say that this late addition to Jack’s squad ensured a top half end of season placement, but only just, pipping the U’s by a single point, meaning promotion to the newly formed Premier Division. Roy’s City debut was on the 4th April 1959 in a local derby against Bedford Town. In the following two seasons Roy’s exquisite skill on the ball and goalscoring prowess thrilled the Milton Road fans, with fifth and seventh placings at the end of those two campaigns. Roy’s last game for the club was on 28/4/61, shortly after the departure of Jack White and arrival of new manager Oscar Hold. Roy had played 118 games and scored 48 goals, and though Oscar was happy to release him, Portsmouth were equally as happy to take him to Fratton Park. Many youngsters will recall Roy from their schooldays at Chesterton School, where he was employed as a PE and Games teacher whilst in Cambridge. He will be remembered fondly as a stylish, handsome guy, with wonderful balance, great touch, and a deadly finisher. Roy later emigrated to Australia, where he sadly passed away on the 4th April 2015, exactly 56 years to the day after his City debut. Remembered by many still.




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Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Roy?
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Smith, Roy This is about as accurate a resume of Roy’s playing career you will find with some important corrections to Wikipedia and other online sources.
Roy and other Cambridge City FC heroes of the past are featured on the FB nostalgia group ‘Cambridge City FC-The Milton Road Years’. It’s a private group but everyone welcome to join.

19-03-22 Clive Hillier

Smith, Roy I knew Roy, we were both P T Instructors in the army doing National Service in Devizes, Wiltshire. I also knew Chuck Parry a P T I. Roy was a brilliant athlete and Chuck a brilliant ballroom dancer. I would like to make contact with you Chuck.
05-12-21 Irvine, Brian

Smith, Roy I knew Roy at the time he joined Westham. We were both PT Instructors, in the army, doing Nat. Service in Devizes, Wilts. He knew me as "Chuck."
24-08-20 H.B.Parry

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