Ryan Smith started his career with Arsenal at the turn of the century, where he burst onto the scene at youth level. Hailed as the next big thing to come out of the Arsenal academy, things failed to work out for the winger and at 27, the journeyman now finds himself without a club, the last team he played for being Skoda Xanthi of the Greek league.
Smith made his Arsenal debut during a League Cup tie in 2003, coming off the bench in a penalty shootout win against Rotherham. At the time of his debut he was just 16 years of age, and went down as one of the youngest players to ever play for the Gunners. Further first-team action would again come in the League Cup, Smith starting the next two ties Vs Wolves and Middlesbrough. During the following campaign Smith again started a League Cup tie, this time Vs Everton, but went off injured after 20 minutes in what would be his last first-team appearance for the side.
At the start of the 2005/06 season, Smith went on loan to Leicester City where he gained valuable first-team experience, coming back to North London with 17 Championship starts under his belt. Whilst his performances weren’t enough for him to be rewarded with a new contract at Arsenal, Smith joined Derby County for the start of the 06/07 season. He started 15 times in a side vying for promotion, but after a whole host of January signings it was decided Smith was surplus to requirements, and he was eventually sold to League One side Millwall, after initially going on loan.
Joining for £150,000 in the summer of 2007 Smith went on to play for the Lions only 17 times, before being loaned out. This time he moved to Southampton, initially on loan, before signing permanently for the remainder of the 08/09 campaign.
After some unimpressive displays on the South coast Smith was released after 5 months. He moved back to London, for what would be his last English club move, this time joining Crystal Palace. But, after 5 months and only 5 starts, Smith’s contract was mutually terminated in January 2010. After a year out of the game, with some unsuccessful trial periods, smith moved to The MLS, linking up with Sporting Kansas City. This was the most successful and prolific period of his career, playing 32 times and scoring four goals. However, after Kansas refused to sell him to Real Zaragoza, Smith was on the move again.
In November 2011, he joined his second MLS side, Chivas USA. In 21 appearances he failed to score and his contract was terminated after a year. His final career move was to join Greek side Skoda Xanthi, after 12 appearances though, his contract was again mutually terminated, and as of 2013 the winger has found himself without a club.
Starting his career off at Arsenal, making his debut at 16 and playing for all the England youth sides up until Under 21 level, you’d have thought Smith’s career may have been slightly more successful than it has been. Unfortunately he could never hit consistent form and at 27, without a club, it’s hard to see where his next career move will be.