PHIL SMITH (FOOTBALLER BORN 1979)

'Phil Smith' (born December 14, 1979) is a professional footballer who plays in goal for Swindon Town.
Smith started his career as a youngster with Millwall F.C. before being released and falling into the Non-League with Folkestone Invicta F.C. followed by spells at Dover Athletic and Margate F.C.. He then became first choice at Crawley Town F.C..
Crawley went into administration and and made all of their players available for transfer. Despite being one of only five Crawley players to show for pre-season training, Smith signed for the Robins after a successful trial which included winning the Copa Ibiza friendly competition in the Summer of 2006.
Smith's first role at Swindon his to challenge first choice Peter Brezovan for the goalkeepers jersey, a challenge that was made by Town boss Dennis Wise.
After Brezovan suffered a broken arm in home game against Grimsby Town on the 14th October Phil Smith was handed the goalkeepers jersey. Extra competition was brought in for both Brezovan and Smith, in the form of Andy Lonergan, on loan from Preston North End.
He has been solid in goal ever since and picked up the PFA fans player of the month for December which was presented on the 27th January before the home game against Macclesfield. Smith was also rewarded for his efforts, with a two year extension on his current contract, ensuring he had a future at the club, until 2009 at least.
Smith was made official No. 1 in the Summer of 2007, where he continued to impress the coaching panel at the club. He performed well in the opening match away to Northampton Town, where Swindon drew 1-1.

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