Gary Smith

Biography

Gary Neil Smith (born 3 December 1968) is an English football manager and former player who most recently managed Major League Soccer side Nashville SC. Smith's playing career began at Fulham, progressing through the youth team before making one first-team appearance for the club. After a brief spell with Colchester United, Smith joined non-league side Enfield in 1989. His most successful spell during his playing days was at Wycombe Wanderers, spending two seasons with the club. After a season with Welling United, Smith returned to the Football League in 1993, when he signed for Barnet. Following a spell at Aylesbury United, Smith retired as a professional player, with his career blighted through numerous injuries. He turned to the coaching side of the game in an attempt to forge a career for himself following his premature retirement. After a spell coaching at Wimbledon, Smith was appointed youth team coach at Wycombe Wanderers in 2004. He joined Watford ahead of the 2005–06 campaign, combining the roles of reserve team manager with his U18 managerial duties. Smith then worked as a scout for Arsenal in 2007. His first managerial post was at MLS side Colorado Rapids, when he was appointed as manager in November 2008, following a successful spell as interim head coach. He spent three seasons at Colorado, with the club winning the 2010 MLS Cup, the first major trophy in the club's history. Despite his success, Colorado opted against renewing Smith's contract in November 2011. In January 2012, Smith was appointed as manager of League One side Stevenage. He guided the club to the League One play-offs that season, where they were defeated over two legs in the semi-final. In March 2013, he was sacked by the club after a poor run of form during the second half of the 2012–13 season.

Bio from Wikipedia