 Brighton dropped down to 14th in 1970–71 under Pat Saward, and in June 1971 Smith signed with Ken Roberts's Chester, but moved to Hartlepool United – initially on loan – in October of that year.Both teams struggled at the foot of the Football League, with Len Ashurst's "Pools" finishing just above the re-election places in 1971–72 and 1972–73.In August 1973 he moved to Bury as player-coach, but failed to appear in their league side.