Jamie Smith

James Smith (born 20 November 1980 in Alexandria) is a Scottish retired professional footballer and currently executive director at Tennessee United Soccer Club. Prior to this, Smith served as Academy Director for Nashville SC. Smith spent the majority of his playing career in his native country with Celtic and Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League. He was also capped twice by Scotland.

Playing career Early career Born in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Smith started his career with Celtic; a graduate of the club's youth system, he played 66 games and scored six goals in all competitions across his five years as a senior player. Smith won three major honours (two league titles and the League Cup in 2001) and was an unused substitute in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, but limited first team opportunities saw him join Dutch club ADO Den Haag in July 2004, spending one season there.

Aberdeen He returned to Scotland in season 2005–06 with Aberdeen. In August 2005, Smith struck a late winner as the Dons defeated rivals Rangers in a league match for the first time since April 1998, wowing the Aberdeen support in only his third competitive game for the club. He was involved in a car crash along with teammate Michael Hart in July 2007, while on a pre-season tour of Egypt.

In December 2007, Smith played a key role in Aberdeen's victory over Danish team FC Copenhagen in the 2007–08 UEFA Cup, scoring two goals in the 4–0 victory that saw Aberdeen through to the last 32 of the competition. Smith's contract at Aberdeen ended at the end of the 2008–09 season and he expressed concern that he had not been offered a contract extension, stating that he may need to look for a new club in summer.

Colorado Rapids In May 2009, he was given permission to discuss a contract with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC. However, Toronto passed on the signing of Smith and he later signed with Colorado Rapids in July 2009. In his first season with the Rapids he played only four games before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

On 28 August 2010, Smith scored his first MLS goal two minutes into a match against Houston in which he was named man of the match.

Smith remained with Colorado through the 2012 season. After the conclusion of the 2012 season, Colorado declined the 2013 option on Smith's contract and he entered the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Smith became a free agent after he went undrafted in both rounds of the draft.

Smith was re-signed by Colorado on 8 February 2013.

On 10 January 2014, Smith announced his retirement from playing and joined Colorado Rapids academy coaching staff.

International Smith made two appearances for Scotland in 2003, in friendly matches against Austria and Ireland. He later played twice for Scotland B.

Coaching career After retiring from playing, he joined the coaching staff of Colorado Rapids as U23 manager in 2014.

He had a spell as Academy manager of Continental FC before being appointed to the same role at Nashville SC in 2019.

Personal life

His brother-in-law, Allan Sieczkowski, is the lead singer of the Scottish rock band Little Eye. Colorado Rapids used their song Burgundy Sky as their official anthem to reflect on their famous burgundy kits.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Celtic Scottish Premier League: 2002, 2004 Scottish League Cup: 2001 UEFA Cup: Runner-up 2002–03

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Championship: 2010 MLS Cup: 2010