Gary Smith
born harlow | 03/12/1968
previous clubs wimbledon, wycombe wanderers, watford, arsenal, colorado rapids
joined january 2012
contract details 25/01/2012 – 30/6/2014
first game in charge notts county | 28/01/2012 | h
Gary Smith was appointed as the successor to Graham Westley in January 2012. Smith was relatively unknown in his own country, but had enjoyed success in the USA with MLS side Colorado Rapids. He began his playing career at Fulham, but failed to make an impact at Craven Cottage before moving into the non league with Colchester United. A few moves around the non league to the likes of Enfield, Wycombe and Welling followed before his playing career was cut short due to injury.
After the blow of being forced to retire early, Smith embarked on his coaching career. He started at Wimbledon before joining Tony Adams at Wycombe in 2004. After leaving Wycombe, Smith then moved on to Watford where he became youth coach at Vicarage Road. Smith also spent time both coaching and scouting for Arsenal, before he moved over to the USA to join Colorado Rapids, initially to assist in relations between the Gunners and their American partners.
Smith eventually became first team coach of the Rapids and led them to MLS Cup glory in 2010. He left shortly afterwards though due to differences of opinion with the board. Phil Wallace and Stevenage have now given him his chance to impress in the English game in 2012.
