Jamie Smith Football player
Jamie Peter Smith (born 16 September 1989 in Leytonstone) is an English professional footballer who is currently without a club after being released by Leyton Orient. Smith played for Walthamstow youth team Interwood. His fomer coach at Interwood, Trevor Bailey, brought him to Crystal Palace at the age of nine. Smith progressed through the youth ranks at Crystal Palace and was awarded a one-year contract in the summer of 2008. After failing to make an appearance for Crystal Palace, Smith was released from the club in the summer of 2009. His former coach at Palace, Gary Issott, said; "Jamie Smith is a diminutive attacking central midfielder in the mould of Eyal Berkovic. He is very clever and improved after a frustrating first year. He started this season well and, up until Christmas, his form was electric. " On 3 August 2009, Smith signed a one-year contract with Brighton & Hove Albion after impressing during a trial with the club. Smith made his professional debut for Brighton during the 7–1 defeat to Huddersfield Town on 18 August 2009. Smith signed a six month contract extension in May 2011 After being released by the Seagulls, Smith went on to train and eventually sign a contract until the end of the 2011–12 season with Leyton Orient. He made his only Orient appearance as a late substitute in the 3–0 defeat at Exeter City on 9 April 2012. On 15 May he was one of three players released by Orient manager Russell Slade.
