Korey Alexander Sheridan Smith (born 31 January 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Cambridge United.

Korey Smith
Smith playing for Norwich City in 2010
Personal information
Full name Korey Alexander Sheridan Smith[1]
Date of birth (1991-01-31) 31 January 1991 (age 33)[2]
Place of birth Hatfield, England[3]
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)[4]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
Cambridge United
Number 14
Youth career
2007–2008 Norwich City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2013 Norwich City 67 (4)
2012Barnsley (loan) 12 (0)
2012Yeovil Town (loan) 17 (0)
2013Oldham Athletic (loan) 10 (0)
2013–2014 Oldham Athletic 42 (1)
2014–2020 Bristol City 175 (1)
2020–2022 Swansea City 72 (0)
2022–2024 Derby County 72 (1)
2024– Cambridge United 14 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11:59, 17 November 2024 (UTC)

Smith started his career at Norwich City, making his senior debut in April 2009, he had loan spells at Barnsley, Yeovil Town and Oldham Athletic, he would join Oldham permanently in June 2013. A year later, Oldham would sell Smith to Bristol City for an undisclosed fee, where he would make 196 appearances in six years and in his first season at the club would win the League One title. Smith joined Swansea City in August 2020, where he would spend to years, before he joined Derby County where in his second and final season for the club would help the club gain promotion to the Championship.

Early life

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Smith was "discovered plying his trade on the Sunday league park pitches".[5] He became the captain of Norwich City Academy, and led them on a run in the FA Youth Cup. He has two younger sisters, Harriet and Alice.[6] He is of Jamaican descent.[7]

Career

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Smith first appeared on the bench for Norwich City in January 2008 as an unused substitute in an FA Cup match against Charlton Athletic.[8] He made his professional debut in a 0–1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Carrow Road on 4 April 2009, as an 82nd-minute substitute for David Carney.[9]

Smith featured regularly in the Norwich team during the 2009–10 season as they won promotion from League One to the Championship as champions.

In July 2010, Smith was handed the number 18 shirt and continued to play regularly as Norwich won promotion to the Premier League.

In January 2012, Smith penned a one-month loan deal at Barnsley. He made an instant impact at Oakwell, assisting two goals on debut against Derby County in a 3–2 victory for the Reds on his 21st birthday.[10]

In September 2012, Smith signed on a 93-day emergency loan at League One club Yeovil Town,[11] making his debut as a substitute away at MK Dons in a 1–0 defeat.[12]

On 15 March 2013, Smith signed on loan with Oldham Athletic until the end of the season.

Oldham Athletic

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Smith signed a permanent two-year deal with Oldham Athletic on 20 June 2013, after being released by Norwich City having been at the club for seven years.[13] Smith was made captain of Oldham Athletic after manager Lee Johnson said Smith was as brave as a lion, brave on the ball and can take the ball anywhere.[14] He scored his first goal for the club with a stunning strike in the FA Cup 2013–14 second round against Mansfield Town.[15]

Smith scored his first league goal for the club in a 1–1 draw against Leyton Orient, scoring in added time to bring the scores level and earn the club a point away against the then third in the division Leyton Orient with a fantastic chipped effort from 30 yards out.[16]

Bristol City

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Smith signed a three-year deal with Bristol City on 27 June 2014 for an undisclosed fee. He scored his first goals for Bristol City when he scored twice in a 3–1 Football League Trophy win against Cheltenham Town on 8 October 2014.[17] He helped Bristol City to a Football League Trophy and League One double in his first season with the club. Smith started 38 times the following season, as Bristol City finished 18th, meaning they avoided relegation straight back to League One. Smith underwent ankle surgery in April, returning to full training on 5 September 2016.[18]

On 20 December 2017, Smith scored a last minute winner as Bristol City upset Premier League side Manchester United 2–1 in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at Ashton Gate.[19]

Smith left Bristol City on 9 August 2020 after spending six years with the club.[20]

Swansea City

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On 14 August 2020, Smith joined Swansea City on a two-year contract.[21] It was confirmed that Smith would leave the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2021–22 season.[22]

Derby County

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On 16 July 2022, Smith dropped down to League One to join newly relegated Derby County on a two-year contract.[23] Smith would make 48 appearances for Derby County during the 2022–23 season, 40 these in the league, he was ultised as a midfielder as well as a right-back under Paul Warne.[24]

Smith scored his first goal in nearly six years on 29 July 2023 in a 2023–24 pre-season friendly for Derby against Premier League side Sheffield United, tapping in from close range after a Nathaniel Mendez-Laing cross, Derby would go on to lose the game 3-1.[25] Smith scored his first goal for Derby in a competitive fixture during the 2023–24 season, scoring the first goal in a 3–1 League One victory at Blackpool on 3 October 2023,[26] he also played a part in the other two Derby goals that night.[27] Smith made 37 appearances for Derby during the season, to go alongside his goal against Blackpool as Derby managed to secure automatic promotion by finishing runners-up in League One.[28]

On 18 May 2024, it was announced that Smith would leave Derby at the end of his contract on 30 June 2024, after 85 appearances and one goal over two seasons.[29]

Cambridge United

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On 17 July 2024, Smith joined Cambridge United on a two-year deal.[30]

Personal life

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Korey is married to Hattie Bourn with whom he shares three children. His brother in law is England Rugby player Joe Launchbury (their wives are sisters).[31][32][33]

Career statistics

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As of match played 16 November 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Norwich City 2007–08[34] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2008–09[35] Championship 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
2009–10[36] League One 37 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 40 4
2010–11[37] Championship 28 0 1 0 1 0 30 0
2011–12[38] Premier League 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
2012–13[39] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 67 4 3 0 3 0 0 0 73 4
Barnsley (loan) 2011–12[38] Championship 12 0 12 0
Yeovil Town (loan) 2012–13[39] League One 17 0 2[a] 0 19 0
Oldham Athletic (loan) 2012–13[39] League One 10 0 10 0
Oldham Athletic 2013–14[40] League One 42 1 5 1 1 0 4[a] 0 52 1
Bristol City 2014–15[41] League One 44 0 4 0 0 0 6[a] 2 54 2
2015–16[42] Championship 36 0 1 0 1 0 38 0
2016–17[43] Championship 23 0 1 0 0 0 24 0
2017–18[44] Championship 45 1 1 0 6 2 52 3
2018–19[45] Championship 5 0 0 0 1 0 6 0
2019–20[46] Championship 22 0 0 0 0 0 22 0
Total 175 1 7 0 8 2 6 2 196 5
Swansea City 2020–21[47] Championship 37 0 1 0 1 0 1[b] 0 40 0
2021–22[48] Championship 35 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 37 0
Total 72 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 77 0
Derby County 2022–23[49] League One 40 0 4 0 3 0 1[a] 0 48 0
2023–24[50] League One 32 1 2 0 1 0 2[a] 0 37 1
Total 72 1 6 0 4 0 3 0 85 1
Cambridge United 2024–25[51] League One 14 1 1 0 1 0 3 0 19 1
Career Total 481 8 24 1 14 2 22 2 541 13
  1. ^ a b c d e Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs

Honours

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Norwich City

Bristol City

Derby County

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Swansea City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 69. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  2. ^ "Korey Smith". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  3. ^ "Korey Smith". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Korey Smith". Derby County F.C. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
  5. ^ "Korey Smith profile". Norwich City F.C. Archived from the original on 18 March 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2009.
  6. ^ http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/full_article.asp?i=4561&w=25&a=0&part=1 [permanent dead link]
  7. ^ "Smith: Korey Alexander Sheridan Smith: Player". BDFutbol. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  8. ^ http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/Sport/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=Sport&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=Sport&itemid=NOED05%20Jan%202009%2009%3A00%3A03%3A327 [permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "Norwich 0–1 Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. 4 April 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2009.
  10. ^ "Barnsley 3–2 Derby County". BBC Sport. 31 January 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
  11. ^ "Norwich's Korey Smith aims to impress on loan at Yeovil". BBC Sport. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  12. ^ "MK Dons 1–0 Yeovil Town". BBC Sport. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  13. ^ "Norwich City's Korey Smith bound for Oldham Athletic". BBC Sport. 20 June 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  14. ^ "Captain Korey". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  15. ^ "Oldham Athletic 1–1 Mansfield Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  16. ^ "Leyton Orient 1–1 Oldham Athletic". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  17. ^ "Cheltenham 1–3 Bristol City". Sky Sports. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
  18. ^ http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/smith-returns-to-training-3293179.aspx [bare URL]
  19. ^ "Bristol City 2-1 Manchester United". BBC Sport.
  20. ^ "Korey Smith: Long-serving midfielder leaves Bristol City after six years". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  21. ^ "Swansea City complete signing of Korey Smith". Swansea City A.F.C. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  22. ^ "Swansea City confirm retained list". Swansea City A.F.C. 19 May 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  23. ^ "Smith Next in at Derby As Summer Rebuild Continues". Derby County F.C. 16 July 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  24. ^ "Paul Warne raises concern over right-back target as Derby County eye new addition". The72. 2 December 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  25. ^ "Pre Season Match Report: Derby County 1–3 Sheffield United". Derby County F.C. 29 July 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  26. ^ "Korey Smith makes 'revenge' comment after Derby County seal Blackpool win". Derbyshire Live. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  27. ^ "Post Match Verdict: Smith 'Delighted' To Score First Derby Goal". Derby County F.C. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  28. ^ a b "Breaking: Derby County promoted as duo seal it for Paul Warne's side". Derby Telegraph. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  29. ^ "Derby County Retained List: 2023/24 Season". Derby County. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Korey Smith becomes latest signing | Cambridge United F.C." www.cambridgeunited.com. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  31. ^ "These are some of the biggest Instagram stars in Bristol". 27 January 2019.
  32. ^ "Meet the ice cream making Wasps star scooping acclaim on and off pitch". 15 September 2020.
  33. ^ "Smith opens up on his injury hell, Man United and making new history". 7 October 2019.
  34. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  35. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  36. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  37. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  38. ^ a b "Games played by Korey Smith in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  39. ^ a b c "Games played by Korey Smith in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  40. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  41. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  42. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  43. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
  44. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  45. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  46. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  47. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  48. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  49. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  50. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  51. ^ "Games played by Korey Smith in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  52. ^ "Bristol City's well oiled 2014/15 League One title-winning team – Where are they now?". bristolworld.com. 14 April 2022.
  53. ^ Chapman, Caroline (22 March 2015). "Bristol City 2–0 Walsall". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  54. ^ "League One Team of the Year: Five Bristol City players selected". BBC Sport. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
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