born in preston, lancashire, smith began his career with morecambe, having progressed through the club's youth system. he made his first-team debut in the football league trophy fixture against grimsby town on 18 october 2005, with smith scoring morecambe's final penalty kick in their victorious penalty shoot-out. he joined northern premier league first division outfit fleetwood town on loan in january 2006 and made his debut in a 2–0 victory at home to belper town on 28 january. he stayed at the club until april 2006, having made 16 appearances and scored one goal.