Jimmy Smith is a midfielder who progressed through Chelsea's academy system, making his debut as substitute against Newcastle United on the last day of the 2005/6 season. He joined QPR on loan on September 27th 2006, initially for a month but it was extended until the end of the season. He made 29 appearances for QPR, scoring six goals.

On 19th July 2007, he joined Norwich City on loan until the end of December 2007. His first appearance in a City shirt was in the pre-season friendly against Dutch side AGOVV Apeldoorn which City won 2-0 on 21st July 2007.

On 25 July 2007, Smith sustained a worrying calf injury in Norwich's pre-season friendly with FC Zwolle, which kept him out of action for almost three months. He finally made his competitive debut for Norwich on 23 October 2007, as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor.

The final appearance of his loan spell with The Canaries came in their 1-1 home draw vs Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 29, 2008

Returning to Chelsea, Norwich hoped to extend his loan but with injuries and players away at the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea opted to keep Smith at Stamford Bridge.

In June 2008, Jimmy was linked with a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday. This materialised on 3rd July 2008 with Smith signing a 6 month loan deal.