Fred Smallwood

Football career Smallwood was born in Brynteg, near Wrexham in North Wales and worked as a coal-miner in the nearby Gresford Colliery. He played for Llanerch Celts before joining Wrexham as an amateur in September 1933. During his time at Wrexham, he gained caps as an amateur for Wales.

In September 1934, he moved to Chester, signing as a professional in October. After a year with Chester, in which he made one appearance in the Football League Third Division North, Smallwood made his debut for the Saints in the opening match of the 1936–37 season, scoring in a 3–2 victory over Chesterfield. Described as "a small but nippy left-winger", At the end of the season, he refused a new contract and moved to Reading of the Football League Third Division South.

He remained with Reading until the start of the Second World War, making 43 league appearances, scoring 12 goals.

Later career Smallwood retired from professional football during the war, but made guest appearances for Wrexham, Newcastle United, Sunderland and Hartlepool United.

He settled in the Sunderland area after the war where he played in a small dance band.