Jude Smith made an immediate impact on his debut for Clyde after joining the club as an emergency signing on Tuesday, 27 October. Just hours after putting pen to paper on a short-term contract, the 23-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties to help his new side defeat Penicuik Athletic in the second round of the Scottish Cup.
Clyde brought in the free agent after first-choice goalkeeper Jay Hogarth picked up an injury while training with his parent club, Falkirk, the previous week. Manager Darren Young turned to a familiar face to solve the problem, having previously worked with Smith at East Fife. Smith signed a deal running until January 2027 and went straight into the starting line-up at Montgomery Park, where the match finished 1 to 1 after extra time before Clyde won the shootout 4 to 3.
Smith delivers in the penalty shootout
Smith was tested early in his debut, making an important stop to deny Penicuik’s Niall Kemp. Clyde then found the breakthrough shortly before the break when James Hilton hit a volley into the net in the 42nd minute.
Penicuik pushed hard for a way back into the tie during the second half. Sam Coats hit the crossbar for the hosts before Daryl Healy finally pulled his team level in the 74th minute by lifting the ball over Smith.
Neither team could find a winning goal during extra time, which sent the match to a penalty shootout. Smith stepped up when it mattered most, saving spot-kicks from both Sean Stewart and Logan Johnstone. Although Kyle Connell missed one penalty for Clyde, Scott Williamson scored the visitors’ fifth kick to secure the 4 to 3 shootout victory.
The win sends Clyde through to the third round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup. They will travel to face East Kilbride in the next round over the weekend of 28 November.
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A fresh start for the former Newcastle youth keeper
This emergency move gives Smith a welcome return to senior football. He started his youth career in Celtic’s academy before moving to East Fife in 2021, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper at just 18 years old.
His form in Scotland caught the attention of Newcastle United, who signed him in August 2022. Smith spent two years developing at Newcastle, though he remained at youth level and did not make a senior first-team appearance for the club. He later moved to Carlisle United in June 2024 before leaving by mutual consent in January 2026.
Clyde primarily brought Smith in to provide cover while Hogarth recovers from his injury. There is still no confirmed return date for Hogarth, and Smith’s current deal only runs until January. Even so, the new arrival has already given the club a vital boost by helping them advance in the cup.
