Smith, Hughie (1930-34)

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Fullname: Hugh Smith
aka: Hughie Smith
Born: c1913
Died: […]
Birthplace: Port Glasgow, Scotland
Signed: 17 May 1930
Left: 6 June 1934 (free); 15 June 1934 (Ayr Utd)
Position: Inside Forward
Debut: Celtic 6-0 Hibernian, League, 23 Aug 1930
Internationals: none

Biog

Hughie Smith was an inside-forward who was signed by the Bhoys from Port Glasgow Juniors in May 1930, with one commentator remarking that he was “going to be one of the best captures that Celtic ever made…“. It wasn’t to be.

Hughie Smith made his competitive debut for the Hoops in a 6-0 trouncing of Hibs in the league at Parkhead on 23rd August 1930. He made an instant impact on the Parkhead support with a debut goal. However, he wasn’t given another appearance again for the First XI till the end of the season.

Thereafter he was given limited runs in the first team. He managed his second goal in the 4-1 win over Motherwell in the league in Oct 1932. Despite that, Celtic were out the running and in this period achieved little in silverware.

He played in the Glasgow Charity Cup final defeat in May 1932, a 2-1 loss to Third Lanark.

A typically tricky wee Scottish forward, Hughie Smith loved to dribble the ball and try fancy flicks. He was also deceptively quick and was an accurate passer of the ball: “dapper little fellow with the courteous way“.

His main failing though was a lack of strength and in the robust world of Scottish football in the 1930s, Hughie Smith was too easily knocked off the ball. Also Celtic were ailing during much of this period, and a decline had already begun.

Hughie Smith was released by Celtic in June 1934 after 27 league & cup appearances and two goals.

He went on to play for Ayr United (where at one point he was advised to give up due to medical reasons). Later he moved to Morton, where he and Dan McGarry made a formidable left-wing.

After football, he worked in the shipyards.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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