Norman Smith (footballer)

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Norman Smith (born December 15, 1897 in Newburn, died 1978) was a footballer and later manager.

During his playing career he played for sides including Huddersfield Town & Sheffield Wednesday.

Stan Seymour appointed Smith as his assistant at Newcastle United in 1939 and he helped contribute to the club's success in the 1950s. The loyalty he had shown by staying at the club for twenty-two years was rewarded in 1961 when he was appointed the new manager of the club, following Charlie Mitten's sacking. His record as manager was fairly poor, winning just twelve games out of thirty-five. However he had the respect of the fans for staying with the club for so long and showing a passion for the club. This did not stop him from being replaced a year later in 1962 by Joe Harvey, ending his brief spell as manager.

The club was in mourning sixteen years later in 1978, when Smith suddenly died. He was on his way home from Newcastle's stadium St James' Park after watching the team play.

Preceded by Charlie Mitten

Newcastle United Manager 1961-1962

Succeeded by Joe Harvey

v • d • e Newcastle United F.C. – Managers Selection committee (1892–1930) • Cunningham (1930–35) • Mather (1935–39) • Seymour (1939–47) • Martin (1947–50) • Livingstone (1954–56) • Mitten (1958–61) • N. Smith (1961–62) • Harvey (1962–75) • Lee (1975–77) • Dinnis (1977–77) • McGarry (1977–80) • Cox (1980–84) • Charlton (1984–85) • McFaul (1985–88) • J. Smith (1988–91) • Ardiles (1991–92) • Keegan (1992–97) • McDermott (1997c) • Dalglish (1997–98) • Gullit (1998–99) • Clarke (1999c) • Robson (1999–2004) • Carver (2004c) • Souness (2004–06) • Roeder (2006–07) • Pearson (2007c) • Allardyce (2007–08) • Pearson (2008c) • Keegan (2008–) (c) caretaker