Former Bristol City, Fulham and QPR star announces retirement at 35 despite 25-goal haul

Matt Smith helped Bristol City win the League One and EFL Trophy in 2014/25. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)Matt Smith helped Bristol City win the League One and EFL Trophy in 2014/25. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Matt Smith helped Bristol City win the League One and EFL Trophy in 2014/25. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A member of Bristol City’s double-winning squad from a decade ago has called time on his career.

Former Bristol City striker Matt Smith has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 35-year-old has hung up his playing boots and is retiring following a 16-year career. He only entered the professional game at 22, when Oldham Athletic signed him from Solihull Moors, but since then he's gone on to play in the Championship for the last decade.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Smith's time at Ashton Gate was brief, but he helped play a part in the Robins' 2014/15 League One and EFL Trophy double. He netted 13 goals in 20 games, with five of those coming before they lifted the trophy at Wembley following a 2-0 win, but he had returned to Fulham by then.

In a post shared on Twitter he said: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional football at the age of 35. After over 600 games as a player at almost every level of the English pyramid, I look back only with gratitude at a career that has afforded me the most incredible experiences and memories both on and off the field.

“To enter the professional game so late at the age of 22 was really a dream come true and one in truth I never ever thought imaginable. 14 seasons, 527 games and nearly 150 goals across the entire EFL, for some truly incredible and historic football clubs, is a feat that leaves me filled with seal pride. To lead my team out of the tunnel for my final game with my son in my arms will forever remain my finest achievement.

“Success is often defined by the people in your corner. The ones that support you every step of the way. In good times and in bad. I can't thank my family & friends enough for every bit of sacrifice and support you've given me throughout. Without you, unquestionably, none of this would have been possible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Smith's last club was Salford City, and he scored 25 goals in 51 games for The Ammies, who are owned by Manchester United's Class of 92. He had received offers from other clubs, but has opted to bring his career to an end.

The other clubs Smith played for in his professional career were Macclesfield, Leeds United, Fulham, QPR and Millwall.

He added: “I move into my next chapter with a real sense of excitement, knowing l've maximised every bit of ability l've been given and left it all out there.

“It's probably unprecedented to retire off the back of a 25-goal season, and despite several offers, it was always my intention to leave when the time felt right, with my plans in place, measured, and on my own terms. I do so with my head held high.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice