BOSSES at Aldershot Town have paid tribute to former player Jim Smith, who died on Tuesday. He was 79.

The Bald Eagle was a huge figure in the game and had a career spanning almost five decades as player and manager, including 74 apearances with the Shots from 1961-65, scoring one goal from his wing back position.

A Shots spokesman said: “We are extremely saddened to hear the tragic news that former Shots player Jim Smith has passed away.

“Smith will be remembered by many Aldershot Town fans for his spell as a player at the club between 1961 and 1965, before going on to have successful spells in professional football with the likes of Halifax Town, Lincoln City and Boston United, which is when his long-term career in football management began.

“The former Shot was a true legend of English football and our greatest condolences go out to the Smith family at this moment in time.”

Smith’s playing career began in 1959 with Sheffield United, but he never played a competitive game in two years before moving to Aldershot in 1961. But on leaving the Recreation Ground, he made 113 appearances for Halifax Town, 54 for Lincoln City and 123 for Boston United, where he stayed for three years as player-manager.

Smith managed a host of Football League clubs, including Derby County, Birmingham City, Newcastle United and two spells at Oxford United, but he is arguably best known for his three-year association with Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park when the pair guided Portsmouth back to the top flight in 2003.

Meanwhile, officials at Aldershot Town have warned that anyone involved in racist or homophobic behaviour will face an immediate lifetime ban from the EBB Stadium.

The warning comes amid a worrying rise in reported incidents at league and non-league level in recent times. While no incidents have been reported at the EBB Stadium home of Aldershot Town, the club has made it perfectly clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

A club statement read: “Aldershot Town Football Club has always been and will always be a family-orientated club, providing an entertaining matchday experience for all.

“However, it seems appropriate to remind all supporters that abuse has no place at our home. As a result of this, those who are found guilty of any kind of racial or homophobic abuse directed at anyone at the EBB Stadium will be given an immediate lifetime ban.

“We want The EBB Stadium to continue to be the best, safest and most comfortable place to watch football for all Aldershot Town Football Club fans, so we have a zero-tolerance stance toward those who wish to abuse staff or disrupt the enjoyment and experience of others.”

The statement concluded: “We would like to thank our supporters for all of their continued support at both home and away matches so far this season.”