'A character and a proper football man'! Jim Smith was someone who worked hard and cared, says Boston United president John Blackwell

Tributes have been paid to Jim Smith, the Boston United legend, who dies yesterday, aged 79.
Jim Smith.Jim Smith.
Jim Smith.

John Blackwell has led the tributes to former Boston United manager Jim Smith, describing him as a 'character' and a 'proper football man'.

Smith died yesterday, aged 79.

It was the ex-Derby County, Oxford United and Newcastle United manager who first brought Blackwell, now the Pilgrims' president, to York Street almost 50 years ago.

Smith, fifth from left, in a United team photo.Smith, fifth from left, in a United team photo.
Smith, fifth from left, in a United team photo.

Smith was impressed by Blackwell's administration work in local league football, bringing him as secretary as the two began a friendship which lasted for the rest of their lives.

"He was a character, but a proper football man," Blackwell told The Standard.

"Everything he did centred around football, but he had a good sense of humour as well."

Very much from the old school, Smith threw himself completely into his role in Lincolnshire, taking it upon himself to wallpaper the York Street boardroom as well as concreting the car park, digging drains and running the club lottery.

Boston United footballers and officials were given a civic reception by the towns mayor in 1972 for their efforts in the FA Cup. Their cup run was ended with a 1-0 defeat by Second Division Portsmouth. Pictured (from left) The Mayoress, the Mayor, chairman of Boston United directors Sid Burgess, players Malcom White, Jim Smith, Cliff Wright, John Lakin, Billy Howells, Bobby Svarc, and administrative assistant John Blackwell.Boston United footballers and officials were given a civic reception by the towns mayor in 1972 for their efforts in the FA Cup. Their cup run was ended with a 1-0 defeat by Second Division Portsmouth. Pictured (from left) The Mayoress, the Mayor, chairman of Boston United directors Sid Burgess, players Malcom White, Jim Smith, Cliff Wright, John Lakin, Billy Howells, Bobby Svarc, and administrative assistant John Blackwell.
Boston United footballers and officials were given a civic reception by the towns mayor in 1972 for their efforts in the FA Cup. Their cup run was ended with a 1-0 defeat by Second Division Portsmouth. Pictured (from left) The Mayoress, the Mayor, chairman of Boston United directors Sid Burgess, players Malcom White, Jim Smith, Cliff Wright, John Lakin, Billy Howells, Bobby Svarc, and administrative assistant John Blackwell.

But it was on the pitch where he really made an impact.

Smith joined the Pilgrims as player-manager in 1969 and the former Sheffield United and Lincoln City forward built a strong side which never finished outside of the Northern Premie League's top four on his watch. In the 1969-70 season Smith's stoic side only conceded three league goals.

"(Former chairman) Ernest Malkinson had been following him and thought he would be the right man for the job, and he definitely was," Blackwell added.

"They got on well and wanted to do well together. They built a very good team."

The Pilgrims' results made it obvious Smith was destined for greater things and, 40 matches into what was to become a 51-game unbeaten streak, he was convinced to join Colchester United in 1972, future England and Leeds United boss Howard Wilkinson taking over the player-manager mantle.

But as he prepared to leave Boston, Smith still had time to say his goodbyes and begin preparations for the weekend's match.

"I was working with my dad painting and decorating," Blackwell added. "We were at a bungalow on Rosebery Avenue when there was a knock at the door.

"It was Jim, he said 'I've got something to tell you, I'm leaving. I wanted you to be the first to know... and I need you to sort things out for Saturday'."

The two friends remained in contact as Smith's career continued to progress and Blackwell oversaw the day-to-day activities at United. And it was Blackwell who tipped Smith off about local youngster Simon Garner.

Garner's parents and Blackwell's wife Maureen took the teenager to Blackburn Rovers where Smith signed him, Garner going on to make 474 appearances and score 169 goals for the club.

The friendship, however, worked both ways, with Smith always willing to return to his old stamping ground.

"If it wasn't for Jim I wouldn't be at Boston United," added Blackwell, whose friend was a guest at his wedding.

"We were big friends and always were. We stayed in contact and he brought Derby and Newcastle sides here to Boston.

"He was that sort of a man. He was successful because he believed in hard work and because he cared.

"In the old dressing room we used to have a coal fire. I remember one game at half time he came in and started throwing tea cups about, getting mad.

"The next day he was best of friends with everyone again. That's the man he was, he wanted to win but he cared about everyone."