Sam Hart

For other people named Samuel Hart, see Samuel Hart (disambiguation).

Sam Hart

Personal information
Full name	Samuel James Hart [1]
Date of birth	(1996-09-10) 10 September 1996 (age 27)
Place of birth	Bolton, England [2]
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) [2]
Position(s)	Left-back; left-winger
Team information
Current team	Port Vale
Number	42
Youth career
	Manchester United
2013–2016	Liverpool
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2016–2017	Liverpool	0	(0)
2016–2017	→ Port Vale (loan)	11	(1)
2017–2020	Blackburn Rovers	3	(0)
2018	→ Rochdale (loan)	3	(0)
2018–2019	→ Rochdale (loan)	11	(0)
2019	→ Southend United (loan)	18	(0)
2020	→ Shrewsbury Town (loan)	4	(0)
2020–2021	Southend United	21	(0)
2021–2022	Oldham Athletic	31	(1)
2022–2024	Sutton United	50	(0)
2024–	Port Vale	4	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 09:38, 1 September 2024 (UTC)

Samuel James Hart (born 10 September 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back for EFL League Two club Port Vale.

Hart began his career at Liverpool, where he made his first-team debut in a pre-season friendly in August 2016. He played on loan at Port Vale during the 2016–17 season and was sold on to Blackburn Rovers in August 2017. He joined Rochdale on loan in January 2018 and again for the 2018–19 season. He joined Southend United on loan in January 2019 and then loaned out to Shrewsbury Town in January 2020. He joined Southend United permanently in November 2020 and then signed for Oldham Athletic in June 2021. He signed with Sutton United in June 2022 and spent two years with the club before he joined Port Vale.

Career

Liverpool

Hart moved from the Manchester United Academy to the Liverpool Academy whilst an under-16 level player. ^[3] He made his first appearance for Liverpool on 7 August 2016, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 4–0 friendly defeat to Mainz 05 at the Opel Arena. ^[4]

In August 2016, Hart joined League One side Port Vale on loan for the 2016–17 season, as manager Bruno Ribeiro needed cover for injured duo Kiko and Adam Yates. ^[5] He made his debut in professional football on 27 August, coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute for Jerome Thomas in a 3–1 win over Scunthorpe United at Vale Park. ^[6] With Thomas injured, Hart made his first league start on 27 September, playing at left-wing in a 3–1 home win over Millwall. ^[7] His performance impressed Ribeiro, who stated that Hart played well enough to guarantee himself either the left-back or left-wing spot in the next game. ^[8] He scored his first goal in senior football on 29 October, in a 3–1 defeat to hometown club Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium. ^[9] Hart's loan deal was cut short after Michael Brown succeeded Ribeiro as manager in January 2017; he had made 12 starts and four substitute appearances for the "Valiants", often out of position on the left and right-wing. ^[10] He was reportedly targeted by Grimsby Town for a loan deal in July 2017. ^[11]

Blackburn Rovers

On 31 August 2017, Hart signed a two-year deal with League One side Blackburn Rovers after he was purchased for an undisclosed fee. ^[12] On 18 January 2018, he joined fellow League One side Rochdale on loan until the end of the 2017–18 season, having featured just seven times for Tony Mowbray's Rovers. ^[13] Manager Keith Hill needed cover at left-back having sold Joe Bunney to Northampton Town. ^[14] Hart featured just three times for the "Dale" during his time at Spotland, though came on as a substitute in the final day win over Charlton Athletic that secured the club's League One status. ^[15]

On 30 August 2018, Hart returned to Rochdale on loan for the remainder of the 2018–19 season. ^[16] He said: "I'm really happy. I have got a bond with the football club and the people here, so I am excited to be back". ^[17] He made 13 appearances, but did not feature after playing in a 4–2 defeat at Oxford United on 27 November, and was recalled to Blackburn on 2 January. ^[18] On 15 January 2019, he returned to League One, joining Southend United on loan until the end of the 2018–19 season. ^[19] He made his "Shrimpers" debut four days later, playing at left-wing-back in a 4–0 win at Bradford City; after the game manager Chris Powell said that he was pleased with Hart's performance. ^[20] Hart went on to sign a one-year contract extension at Blackburn the following week, keeping him tied to the club until 2020. ^[21]

He missed the first half of the 2019–20 season after picking up a hamstring injury in pre-season. ^[22] On 17 January 2020, Hart joined League One side Shrewsbury Town on loan until the end of the 2019–20 season. ^[23] "Shrews" manager Sam Ricketts signed him to replace recalled Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Ryan Giles. ^[24] He was released by Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray on 24 July 2020. ^[25]

Southend United

On 11 November 2020, Hart rejoined Southend United, who were now bottom of League Two, on a permanent deal until the end of the 2020–21 season. ^[26] He was sent off for a strong challenge on Derick Osei during a 0–0 draw with Walsall at Roots Hall on 23 March and handed a three-match ban. ^[27] However, manager Mark Molesley confirmed Southend would appeal the ban. ^[28] New boss Phil Brown took charge the following month and said Hart was an "outstanding" player who would "definitely be in the standing line up". ^[29] The club were relegated out of the English Football League after finishing second-bottom of League Two. ^[30]

Oldham Athletic

On 22 June 2021, Hart signed a one-year deal – with an option to extend – with League Two side Oldham Athletic. ^[31] Manager Keith Curle stated that as a "typical type of wing-back... he'll have an impact on a regular basis in games" and would "become an important part of the team". ^[32] He scored his second career goal on 20 November, to secure a 3–2 win over former club Port Vale at Boundary Park. ^[33] Curle was sacked in November and the "Latics" form improved after John Sheridan replaced interim manager Selim Benachour in January. ^[34] However, Oldham were relegated at the end of the 2021–22 season, and Hart took to social media to say it would "hurt for a long time". ^[35] The Oldham Times described him as "one of the club's better and most consistent performers". ^[36] Oldham offered him a new contract, which he turned down. ^[37]

Sutton United

Hart remained in League Two after he agreed a two-year deal with Sutton United on 28 June 2022, with manager Matt Gray looking to provide competition for left-back Robert Milsom. ^[38] He featured 24 times in the 2022–23 campaign and said "it’s good being in a winning environment again" in April, though Sutton missed out on the play-offs. ^{[39] [40]} He featured 32 times in the 2023–24 season and was named as the Supporters' Club Player of the Season. ^{[41] [42]} Sutton were relegated back into non-League football at the end of the season and Hart rejected the club's offer of a new contract. ^{[43] [44]}

Port Vale

On 26 June 2024, Hart agreed to join his former loan club, Port Vale, on a two-year deal. ^[45] Manager Darren Moore said that the signing would bring balance to the club's back line. ^[46] Hart sustained hamstring injury early int eh season and was ruled out of action for what Moore said would be "some considerable time". ^[47]

Style of play

Hart was described by the Liverpool website as "a left-back, who relishes going forward and poses a real threat when pushing on down the flank" and someone who "can carry the attack with his fine athletic profile – but he's also very strong in the tackle". ^[48]

Career statistics

As of match played 31 August 2024

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Liverpool	2016–17 [49]	Premier League	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Port Vale (loan)	2016–17 [49]	League One	11	1	2	0	0	0	3 [lower-alpha 1]	0	16	1
Blackburn Rovers	2017–18 [50]	League One	3	0	2	0	0	0	2 [lower-alpha 1]	0	7	0
	2018–19 [51]	Championship	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	2019–20 [52]	Championship	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	Total		3	0	2	0	0	0	2	0	7	0
Rochdale (loan)	2017–18 [50]	League One	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
	2018–19 [51]	League One	11	0	1	0	0	0	1 [lower-alpha 1]	0	13	0
	Total		14	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	16	0
Southend United (loan)	2018–19 [51]	League One	18	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	18	0
Shrewsbury Town (loan)	2019–20 [52]	League One	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
Southend United	2020–21 [53]	League Two	21	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	21	0
Oldham Athletic	2021–22 [54]	League Two	31	1	1	0	2	0	1 [lower-alpha 1]	0	35	1
Sutton United	2022–23 [39]	League Two	20	0	1	0	0	0	3 [lower-alpha 1]	0	24	0
	2023–24 [41]	League Two	30	0	0	0	1	0	1 [lower-alpha 1]	0	32	0
	Total		50	0	1	0	1	0	4	0	56	0
Port Vale	2024–25 [55]	League Two	4	0	0	0	0	0	1 [lower-alpha 1]	0	5	0
Career total			156	2	7	0	3	0	12	0	178	2

1. Appearances in the EFL Trophy

Honours

Individual

• Sutton United Supporters' Club Player of the Season: 2023–24 ^[42]

References

1. "Notification of shirt numbers: Blackburn Rovers" (PDF). English Football League. p. 5. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
2. "FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2016/2017". www.footballsquads.co.uk. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
3. "Meet the Academy... Sam Hart". liverpoolfc.com. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
4. "Match report: Defeat for Reds in Mainz in final pre-season friendly". liverpoolfc.com. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
5. Baggaley, Mike (25 August 2016). "Port Vale sign Liverpool defender Sam Hart on loan". The Sentinel. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
6. "Port Vale v Scunthorpe United". BBC Sport. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
7. Baggaley, Mike (27 September 2016). "Port Vale 3, Millwall 1 REPORT: Super Vale are credit to manager". The Sentinel. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
8. Baggaley, Mike (30 September 2016). "Port Vale v Coventry: Bruno Ribeiro ready to stick with Sam Hart". The Sentinel. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
9. "Bolton Wanderers 3 - 1 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 29 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
10. Baggaley, Mike (11 January 2017). "Sam Hart returns to Liverpool from Port Vale". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
11. Findlater, James (3 July 2017). "Town targeting Liverpool youngster?". Grimsby Telegraph. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
12. "Sam signs!". Blackburn Rovers. 31 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
13. "Sam Hart: Rochdale sign defender on loan from Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
14. "Rovers full-back Sam Hart joins League One side Rochdale on loan". Lancashire Telegraph. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
15. "Hart Excited To Be Back At Rochdale". rochdaleafc.co.uk. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
16. "Sam Hart: Blackburn Rovers defender rejoins Rochdale on loan". BBC Sport. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
17. "Football: Sam Hart joins Rochdale on loan from Blackburn Rovers". www.rochdaleonline.co.uk. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
18. "Loan Rovers return". www.rovers.co.uk. 2 January 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
19. "Sam seals Southend switch". Rovers.co.uk. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
20. Phillips, Chris (20 January 2019). "Southend United chief Chris Powell pleased with Blackburn Rovers loanee Sam Hart's debut". Echo. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
21. Sharpe, Rich (22 January 2019). "Full back Sam Hart agrees new Blackburn Rovers contract". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
22. "Shrews switch for Sam". www.rovers.co.uk. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
23. "Sam Hart: Shrewsbury Town sign Blackburn defender on loan". bbc.co.uk. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
24. Ray, James (17 January 2020). "Blackburn Rovers defender Hart makes loan move to Shrewsbury Town". The 72. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
25. "Rovers confirm player departures". www.rovers.co.uk. 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
26. "Southend United re-sign former Blackburn Rovers left-back". www.bbc.co.uk. 11 November 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
27. Phillips, Chris (26 March 2021). "Southend United defender Sam Hart handed three match ban after red card against Walsall". Echo. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
28. Phillips, Chris (23 March 2021). "Southend United will look to appeal Sam Hart's red card against Walsall". Echo. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
29. Phillips, Chris (19 April 2021). "Phil Brown's press conference ahead of Blues' clash with Colchester". Echo. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
30. Phillips, Chris (2 May 2021). "Southend United fans have their say on relegation and the reasons behind it". Echo. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
31. "Forward Hope among five Oldham signings". BBC Sport. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
32. Geldard, Suzanne (22 June 2021). "Latics swoop for former Manchester United and Liverpool youngster". The Oldham Times. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
33. "Oldham Athletic 3-2 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 20 November 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
34. Geldard, Suzanne (22 March 2022). "Latics slip to fifth straight defeat with Sutton United loss". The Oldham Times. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
35. Geldard, Suzanne (27 April 2022). ""This will hurt for a long time" - Latics defender Sam Hart reacts to relegation". The Oldham Times. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
36. Baggaley, Mike (27 June 2024). "Squad taking shape on eve of pre season". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
37. "Sam Hart Departs". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
38. Geldard, Suzanne (28 June 2022). "Sam Hart joins Sutton United after leaving Oldham Athletic". The Oldham Times. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
39. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
40. Phillips, Chris (17 April 2023). "Talking to former Southend United and Oldham left-back Sam Hart". Echo. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
41. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
42. "Player of the Season awards 2023-24". www.suttonunited.net. 21 April 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
43. "Sutton relegated after draw at MK Dons". BBC Sport. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
44. "Sam Hart leaves Sutton United". Sutton United FC. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
45. "Defender Hart joins Vale from Sutton". BBC. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
46. "Sam Hart is a Valiant". Port Vale FC. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
47. Baggaley, Mike (5 September 2024). "Options and injury news". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
48. "Liverpool FC". liverpoolfc.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
49. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 August 2016.
50. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
51. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
52. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
53. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
54. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
55. "Games played by Sam Hart in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 September 2020.

External links

• Sam Hart at Soccerbase