Paul Smith

Ian Paul Smith (born 22 January 1976) is an English footballer who played in the Football League for Burnley, Oldham Athletic, Hartlepool United and Sheffield Wednesday.

Career Smith turned professional in July 1992 with Burnley. He was subject of multimillion-pound bids from Arsenal, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Everton and was widely considered to have the best left foot outside the Premier League. Smith joined Hartlepool United on a free transfer in November 2001. topping the Division's assists charts (with 37) as Hartlepool reached the Division Three play-offs. He rejoined former Hartlepool manager Chris Turner as he moved to Sheffield Wednesday when his Hartlepool contract expired at the end of the 2002–03 season, after helping the club to promotion. He scored a goal on his second substitute appearance and a 20-yard volley on his full debut, but the knee injury which deprived him of the chance to face off against his former team in the play-off final, forced his retirement from professional football. He was released shortly after Wednesday won promotion to the Football League Championship.

In January 2006 he played a few games for Conference North club Alfreton Town, from where he joined Conference National side Kidderminster Harriers in February, He joined Hucknall Town in June 2010.

Personal life After finishing his playing career, Smith began a career in human resources and is a director of workforce planning for the NHS.