

A steadfast English goalkeeper whose reliable hands and sharp reflexes defined a long career between the posts for Huddersfield and Cardiff.
Alexander Smithies emerged from the academy at Huddersfield Town, his boyhood club, to become a fixture in goal during his late teens. His agility and command of the penalty area made him a fan favorite at the John Smith's Stadium for nearly a decade, where he weathered various campaigns in the Championship. A move to Cardiff City in 2018 saw him continue as a dependable first-choice keeper, helping the team navigate the turbulent waters of promotion to and relegation from the Premier League. His career, built on consistency rather than flashy headlines, concluded with a return to Huddersfield, closing the loop on a professional journey defined by loyalty and steady performance.
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alex was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
The world at every milestone
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
He made his professional debut for Huddersfield Town at the age of 17.
He was named Huddersfield Town's Young Player of the Year for the 2008–09 season.
His father, Nigel Smithies, was also a professional footballer.
“My job is to keep the ball out of the net, nothing else.”