Gilbert Oswald Smith

Gilbert Oswald Smith, known simply as G.O. was an extraordinary footballer widely regarded as being the ‘perfect centre forward.’ 

Slightly built and an asthmatic Smith nevertheless became a free scoring forward for the Corinthians and England.   

His record for the Corinthians was outstanding; 113 goals in 131 matches and he scored the winning goal in 1900 Charity Shield when Corinthians overturned the professionals of Aston Villa. 

G.O captained the side in the majority of his 20 England matches scoring 11 goals including 4 in one game when England beat the Irish 13-2 at Roker Park in 1899.  Smith’s tally included a second-half hat-trick scored in just 4 minutes. 

Unusually for the day Smith’s greatest skill was his passing and despite his record he was often seen more as a creator than a goalscorer.   

When Smith retired shortly after his final international against Scotland in 1901 he was one of the most admired sportsmen of the day with his England strike partner, the great Steve Bloomer, saying “He was the finest type of amateur who would always shake hands with us professionals.” 

Smith died in 1943 aged 71. 

Click the link to read more about Gilbert Oswald Smith