Sam Hird

Leeds United

Born in Norton, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Hird signed terms with Aston Villa at a young age after catching the eyes of scouts, before moving on to sign for the Leeds United Academy at the age of ten. Hird initially played as a striker before being developed into a defender at Leeds. He captained the youth and reserve sides before moving on.

Doncaster Rovers

Hird was signed by Doncaster Rovers on a three-month loan from Leeds United in February 2007. He was released by Leeds at the end of the 2006–07 season and was signed by Doncaster Rovers on 2 July 2007. He joined Grimsby Town on a month's loan in November 2007. This was extended for a second month in December. Hird broke into the Doncaster side late in the 2007–08 season after an injury crisis hit Rovers in defence. Hird put in several impressive performances and was part of the side that beat Leeds United (his former club) 1–0 at Wembley Stadium in the League One play-off final to win promotion to the Championship. Hird formed an impressive partnership with Matt Mills in Rovers first season in the Championship. He has been in and out of the team over the years, but was always seen as a dependable squad player in a very impressive rovers team. In 2011 Hird once again signed a contract extension, this time for an extra year. In May 2012, Hird was released by the club, after turning down the offer of a new contract to join Chesterfield.

Chesterfield

On 2 June 2012 he agreed a…

In January 2018, Hird began studying for his UEFA B coaching licence, along with ex teammate Tommy Lee, and gained it in January 2019. As of 2022 Hird is a UEFA A licence coach.

Barrow

Hird took over as assistant manager to Rob Kelly at Barrow towards the end of February 2021, with the club being at the bottom of the League Two table, and eventually helped the club keep their spot.

Bolton Wanderers

On 2 July 2021, Hird joined League One side Bolton Wanderers as first team coach, linking up once again with former teammate and Manager Ian Evatt. He also stepped in as the Manager of Bolton's 'B' team. On 27 May 2022, his role as Bolton Wanderers 'B' team Manager was taken over by Matt Craddock with Hird solely focusing as first team coach. In November 2022 he turned down the York City Manager's role, preferring to stay in his coaching role at Bolton. He left his role at Bolton on 30 September 2023, having accepted a role at the Professional Footballers' Association.

Doncaster Rovers

Football League One play-offs: 2008 Football League Trophy: 2006–07 Chesterfield

Football League Two: 2013–14 Football League Trophy runner-up: 2013–14 Barrow

National League: 2019–20 Individual

Chesterfield Player of the Year: 2015–16