Smelt: Alfred (Alf)

1920-1921 (Player Details)

Left Back

Born: Rotherham: 1888

Debut v Leeds Steelworks (h): 25-09-1920

5’8” 12st 3lb (1920)

Smelt played in just one full League after turning out in United’s team which demolished Leeds Steelworks in the 1920-21 in the preliminary Rounds of the FA Cup when Leeds were force to play Reserves and other players as the first team had to play in the Second Division at the same time. His only League game came on 12th February 1921 in a 3-1 defeat at Stockport County, when he filled in for Jimmy Frew. He was signed from Mexborough Town in the Midland League in July 1920. He had previously played with Mansfield Mechanics and Chesterfield Town. His younger brothers, Len and Tom had more successful careers. Full-back Len was a member of Burnley’s League Championship-winning side of 1920-21. Tom was a centre forward with Accrington Stanley, Exeter City, Chesterfield, Manchester City, Crewe Alexandra, Scunthorpe United and Rotherham United. The Rotherham-born J. Smelt, who played for Leeds City during World War One, was believed to be a member of the same footballing family.