David Smallman, a Welsh footballer whose career promised so much yet was overshadowed by injury, is remembered for his skill, potential, and the unfortunate misfortune that curtailed his time at the top level. Born on 22 March 1953 in Connah’s Quay, North Wales, Smallman’s story is one of both remarkable promise and frustrating setbacks.
Smallman’s footballing journey began at Shotton Westminster FC, where his talents were spotted at the tender age of 15 by Wrexham’s manager, John Neale. Initially, Neale had been scouting a different player, but Smallman’s flair and potential were too good to ignore. His arrival at Wrexham in 1968 marked the beginning of a meteoric rise, with Smallman breaking into the first team by the 1972/73 season. He wasted no time making an impression, scoring 38 goals in 104 appearances for the club. His goal-scoring prowess soon earned him a spot in the Welsh national side, a testament to his early success and the promise he showed.
However, it was not only Wrexham who took notice. As his form improved, so did the interest from bigger clubs. Everton, then a championship-chasing club under the stewardship of Billy Bingham, sought to bring Smallman into their ranks. This was a crucial point in his career. Despite also attracting interest from Manchester City, who only sought a loan deal, Smallman opted for Everton, where the lure of first-team football was more immediate than the prospect of waiting in the wings. Interestingly, this decision came after Harry Catterick, the previous Everton manager, had also enquired about him back in 1972, though it was clear that the potential for a first-team spot had not yet materialized at that point.
For Smallman, joining Everton appeared to be a step towards greater things. A skillful striker with an eye for goal, he seemed destined to play a prominent role in Everton’s future. However, his time at the club would not unfold as expected. Over the next few years, Smallman battled a series of debilitating injuries that halted his progress. Two broken legs, a dislocated shoulder, torn hamstrings, knee ligament damage, and phlebitis in his calf were just a few of the issues he faced. These injuries kept him sidelined for long stretches, and his place in the first team remained elusive. Despite his best efforts, these setbacks derailed what was once a promising career.
By 1980, after enduring five years of injury and treatment, Smallman made the decision to leave Everton. Though his time at the club had been frustratingly interrupted by injury, his departure went largely unnoticed by Everton fans, who had seen little of him in recent years. After leaving Goodison Park, Smallman joined Bangor City, where he played four matches, scoring four goals, but the injuries that had haunted him during his time at Everton returned to again stunt his progress.
Following his brief stint with Bangor City, Smallman moved to Australia, where he sought a fresh start. He joined Green Gully Soccer Club in Melbourne, where he flourished despite the injury woes that had plagued him earlier. In 39 appearances, Smallman scored 21 goals, showcasing his undoubted talent in front of goal. He then finished his playing days with Western Suburbs in 1986, scoring 7 goals in 8 games, before finally retiring from football.
Internationally, Smallman earned seven caps for Wales, a modest but significant contribution to his country. His time with the national team was marked by flashes of brilliance, though injuries once again prevented him from achieving the longevity many had expected.
In hindsight, Smallman’s career is a classic case of unrealized potential, a story of what could have been. His skill and talent were undeniable, but a series of unfortunate injuries meant that he was never able to reach the heights that seemed within his grasp. Yet, despite the setbacks, Smallman’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the thin line between stardom and obscurity. His time in the game, though not as long or as successful as many had hoped, left a lasting impression on those who saw him at his best.