Derek Smethurst, born Durban, South Africa, October 24, 1947. A dedicated and versatile performer, Derek Smethurst was known for his ability to adapt to different conditions and his willingness to take risks.
Derek Smethurst’s football journey began in his homeland, South Africa. Born into a sporting family, with both his father Norman and brother Peter having played professionally, Smethurst was destined to follow in their footsteps. His early career saw him playing for amateur teams like Glenwood, Berea Park, and Addington, where he honed his craft as a forward with a knack for finding the back of the net. It was clear from the beginning that Smethurst possessed an exceptional natural talent for the game, which quickly drew the attention of top clubs. In the mid-1960s, Smethurst joined Durban City F.C., a professional team in South Africa. This was where he began to make waves as a prolific goal scorer. His performances for Durban City caught the eye of scouts in England, leading to a life-changing move to one of the biggest stages in football. However, Smethurst’s career wasn’t without its early challenges. Despite his success in South Africa, the transition to European football presented a new set of difficulties. In December 1968, Derek Smethurst signed with Chelsea F.C., marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Moving to England was no small feat, particularly for a South African player at the time. Yet, Smethurst wasted no time making an impression, albeit starting with Chelsea’s reserve team. In the 1969–1970 season, despite being sidelined for part of the year due to injury, Smethurst tallied an impressive 20 goals in 42 reserve games, a clear signal of his potential. However, Smethurst’s breakthrough came during the 1970–71 season, when he made his first-team debut. In a squad brimming with talent, Smethurst contributed five goals in 18 appearances during his time in the First Division. His crowning achievement with Chelsea was undoubtedly being part of the squad that won the 1970–71 European Cup Winners’ Cup, a victory that made him the first South African to win a European championship. Moreover, he was also the first foreign-born player to win such a title while playing for an English club, a significant milestone in both Chelsea and football history.
Despite his achievements at Chelsea, Smethurst was transferred to Millwall at the start of the 1971–72 season for a fee of £35,000. The move was seen as an opportunity for him to secure more playing time and establish himself as a regular first-team player. At The Den, Smethurst spent four seasons in the English Second Division. Although his time at Millwall wasn’t as prolific in terms of goal-scoring as his previous spells, he still managed to net nine goals in 71 appearances, leaving his mark on the club. Smethurst’s time at Millwall was characterized by the rugged and competitive nature of the lower divisions, where the physicality of the game tested even the most skillful of players. Nevertheless, Smethurst’s adaptability and work ethic ensured that he remained a key figure at the club. After four seasons with Millwall, Smethurst’s career took yet another dramatic turn, this time across the Atlantic to the burgeoning world of American soccer. In 1975, Smethurst made the leap to the North American Soccer League (NASL), signing with the newly formed Tampa Bay Rowdies. This marked the beginning of what would become the most prolific phase of his career. In the NASL, Smethurst flourished, scoring goals with remarkable consistency. His 57 goals in just 65 games for Tampa Bay made him the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, a record that stands as a testament to his impact on the American game. Furthermore, Smethurst was instrumental in leading Tampa Bay to success in both indoor and outdoor competitions. He captained the Rowdies to victory in the 1976 indoor championship and became a NASL All-Star, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the pitch. His goal-scoring exploits made him a fan favorite and one of the NASL’s most feared forwards.
In May 1978, Smethurst was traded to the San Diego Sockers in exchange for Peter Andersen. While his time with San Diego was brief, it was equally impactful. His presence provided a boost to the Sockers, though the move marked the beginning of the final phase of his NASL career. After a few months with the Sockers, Smethurst’s journey through American soccer continued, this time with the Seattle Sounders. Then, in 1979, Smethurst signed with the Seattle Sounders, further cementing his legacy in the NASL. During his time in Seattle, Smethurst scored a hat-trick in a memorable match against the Portland Timbers on the 30th of June 30, 1979, becoming a key figure in the Sounders’ attack. He spent two outdoor seasons and one indoor season with the club, adding to his impressive NASL goal tally. Smethurst’s time in Seattle was marked by his ability to adapt to the evolving NASL landscape, contributing not only goals but also experience to a team looking to make its mark. By 1982, Smethurst joined the Carolina Lightnin’ of the American Soccer League (ASL), playing six games before announcing his retirement from outdoor football. His brief tenure with Carolina was more of a curtain call, as Smethurst had already made his mark in the United States and beyond. However, his influence on American soccer continued, as he rejoined the Rowdies for a few home matches in the 1986–87 AISA season, reminding fans of his enduring quality. Throughout his career, Derek Smethurst displayed an extraordinary ability to adapt to new environments and challenges. From his early days in South Africa to his European triumphs with Chelsea and his star-studded years in the NASL, Smethurst’s journey was one of constant evolution and success. He was not only a pioneer for South African footballers but also a trailblazer in the growing landscape of American soccer. In particular, his time with the Tampa Bay Rowdies remains legendary, with his goal-scoring prowess and leadership still celebrated by fans. Moreover, his unique place in history as the first South African to win a European title underscores his lasting impact on the game. Smethurst’s career is a shining example of the global nature of football and the ability of talented players to leave a mark wherever they go. Derek Smethurst Playing Career: Addington, Durban City, Chelsea, Millwall, Tampa Bay Rowdies, San Diego Sockers, Seattle Sounders, Carolina Lightnin’.