Sam Hird


Adrian Samuel Hird is an English professional footballer who plays for Barrow. Although primarily a central defender, he can also play as a defensive midfielder.

Playing career

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 nine. 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 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 2-year deal with Chesterfield, and was immediately given the captain's armband. On 16 May 2014, Hird signed a new contract with the Spireites. In July 2014 Hird played a key role in his club's 3–1 pre-season win against his first club, Aston Villa of the Premier League, scoring the first goal in a 3–1 win. Hird signed a new deal keeping him at the 'Spireites' until the summer of 2017 after a successful first season with the club in League One after reaching the playoffs.
After the 2015–16 season, Hird was named Chesterfield's Player of the Year, as well as winning the additional Player of the Year awards from several club sponsors and local newspapers. Hird missed a large part of the 2017-18 season through injury, in which Chesterfield were relegated. He was released by Chesterfield at the end of the 2017–18 season after making over 230 appearances during a 6 year period.
On 22 October 2018, Hird joined National League North side Alfreton Town on a month to month contract in order to gain match fitness after a long spell out injured.

Barrow A.F.C.

On 8 January 2019, Hird joined Vanarama National League side Barrow A.F.C. on a free transfer from Alfreton Town FC.
Upon his first full season for Barrow, Hird gained promotion back to the football league as Barrow were named champions.

Coaching career

In January 2018 Hird began studying for his UEFA B coaching license along with ex teammate Tommy Lee.

Club statistics

Honours

Johnstones Paint trophy winners 2006-2007
Football League One League One play-off winners: 2007–08
Football League Two 2013–14 Football League Two champions
2015–16 Player of the Year Chesterfield F.C
National league 2019-20 National league champions