About Matthew Smailes
Lived 1899 – 1978 (aged 78–79). Matthew Smailes was a British association football player.
Matthew Smailes (25 March 1899 – 1978) was an English footballer who played for Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Coventry City as a half-back.
Born in Lancaster, Lancashire, Smailes began his career at Annfield Plain before moving to Blackburn Rovers, where he made four league appearances.
Signed as an understudy to Jimmy Collins, Jim Barrett or Albert Cadwell, Smailes made his debut for West Ham United on 9 February 1929, in a game that saw Vic Watson smash six goals past Leeds United. He played 10 league and cup games for the east London club.
Smailes played 11 Third Division South games for Coventry after leaving West Ham. He joined Ashington in August 1931.
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Important facts
People in Matthew Smailes's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Matthew Smailes?
English footballer (1899-1978)
When was Matthew Smailes born?
Matthew Smailes was born on 25 March 1899 in Lancaster.
When did Matthew Smailes die?
Matthew Smailes died in 1978.
What was Matthew Smailes's occupation?
Matthew Smailes was an association football player.
What nationality was Matthew Smailes?
Matthew Smailes was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Matthew Smailes. https://biography.guide/matthew-smailes/
MLA: "Matthew Smailes." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/matthew-smailes/.
Chicago: "Matthew Smailes." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/matthew-smailes/.
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