Sammy Clingan
Personal information
Full name Samuel Gary Clingan[1]
Date of birth (1984-01-13) 13 January 1984
Place of birth Belfast, Northern Ireland
Position(s) Defensive midfielder
Youth career
2001–2003 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 (0)
2004–2005 → Chesterfield (loan) 15 (2)
2005–2006 → Chesterfield (loan) 21 (1)
2006–2008 Nottingham Forest 85 (1)
2008–2009 Norwich City 40 (6)
2009–2012 Coventry City 98 (7)
2012–2013 Doncaster Rovers 6 (0)
2013–2015 Kilmarnock 56 (5)
2016–2017 Linfield 11 (1)
2017–2020 Glenavon 49 (17)
2020–2021 Glenavon 2 (0)
Total 383 (40)
International career‡
Northern Ireland U15 12 (0)
Northern Ireland U16 2 (0)
Northern Ireland U19 6 (1)
2003–2006 Northern Ireland U21 11 (1)
2004 Northern Ireland U23 1 (0)
2006–2014 Northern Ireland 39 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 00:05, 7 March 2017 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 9 December 2013

Samuel Gary Clingan (born 13 January 1984) is a Northern Irish former international footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Club career

Early career

Clingan began his career in August 2001 as a youth trainee at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was captain of the Wolves reserves in 2003–04, but never broke into the first team – although twice being an unused substitute during their Premier League campaign of that year – and was loaned out to Chesterfield on two occasions to gain experience. Between October 2004 and January 2006, he played 29 times for the Spireites and scored three goals – quickly becoming a fans' favourite.

Nottingham Forest

In early 2006, Nottingham Forest confirmed their interest in him. The original deal fell through because of the existing loan deal with Chesterfield, but when his loan period ended on 15 January, Forest made a second bid. Clingan joined Forest on 23 January for an undisclosed fee.[2][3] He made his debut in a 2–0 defeat to Barnsley.

Clingan had been a regular in the Forest side in 2006–07 but sustained a broken ankle during a 5–1 victory over Huddersfield Town in early March 2007, sidelining him for the rest of the season.[4] He returned fit for the next campaign and got his first goal for the Reds after 22 months and 59 games, with a 22-yard free-kick in a 2–0 win over Crewe on 24 November 2007.[5] The season ended with Forest gaining automatic promotion to the Championship.

Clingan was offered a new deal by the club at the end of the season,[6] with manager Colin Calderwood stating he hoped Clingan would re-sign.[7] He rejected the offer from Forest amid interest from Championship rivals QPR,[7][8] Ipswich Town[7] and Norwich City.[7]

Norwich City

On 17 June 2008, he agreed to join Norwich City when his Forest contract expired.[9] He signed a two-year deal and was Glenn Roeder's first summer signing.[10] During the 2008–09 season, Clingan became the club's established penalty taker, scoring all four spot-kicks he took. His other goals were an impressive free-kick in a 1–1 draw away to Birmingham City and a similar effort in the final day 4–2 defeat to Charlton Athletic which sealed the club's relegation to League One. In March, Clingan was soon appointed as Norwich City's vice captain, following Gary Doherty promotion as captain.[11] In the January transfer window, Clingan revealed that Premier League side Fulham tried to sign him.[12]

Following Norwich City's relegation, Clingan requested a transfer and was sold to Coventry City. He proclaimed that he wanted to play in the Premier League and Coventry offered him the best chance of getting there. Unfortunately for him, Coventry didn't make it to the Premier League. Two years later, however, Norwich City did secure promotion to the Premier League and Clingan was mercilessly taunted with cries of "Sammy Clingan, it could have been you." by Norwich City Supporters when the two clubs met on the last day of the championship season.[13] He later admitted regretting leaving Norwich for Coventry.

Coventry City

After a protracted transfer saga in the summer transfer window, Clingan signed for Coventry City on 24 July 2009, signing a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. He was happy to move to a Championship club.[14] He made his debut, on the opening game of the season, in a 2–1 win over Ipswich Town. He then scored his first goal, on 19 September 2009, in a 3–2 loss against Preston. He then scored two goals in two consecutive games against Watford and Leicester City. Soon after, Clingan suffered a toe injury while in international duty, which left him out for six weeks.[15] Two months later, on 12 December 2009, Clingan made his return from injury, coming on as a substitute 88th, in a 3–2 win over Peterborough United. Later in the season, Clingan would score against Barnsley and Scunthorpe United.

Following the last three games since the opening game of the season, Clingan said his first team place is difficult in the starting line-up, under manager Aidy Boothroyd.[16] Eventually, his first team place would win over Boothyord, which earned him a starting line-up. He soon suffered a knee injury which left him out for months and made his return in early January. During the season, Clingan had problem with injuries.

In June 2011, due to the departures of Keiren Westwood, Marlon King and Aron Gunnarson, Sammy Clingan was announced as club captain.[17] After scoring his first goal of the season against Doncaster on 29 October 2011,[18] Clingan announced his desire to stay at the club and the contract negotiations has started.[19] Like last season, Clingan had another problem with injuries.[20][21][22]

In May 2012, Clingan rejected a new contract[23] and was released by Coventry City when his contract ran out at the end of the 2011–2012 season.[24]

Doncaster Rovers

He was without a club for the first few months of the 2012–13 season before signing a month by month contract for Doncaster Rovers on 26 October 2012. Clingan was linked with recently promoted side Charlton.[25]

He played his first game, coming on as sub in the 83rd minute when Rovers were two up away against Notts County.[26] Despite lack of appearance, Clingan says he desire to stay at Doncaster Rovers in November.[27] He made his last appearance for the club – against his former club, Coventry City – on 15 December 2012, where he received a mixed reception from Coventry fans.[28]

On 27 December 2012, it was confirmed that Clingan would not be offered an extension to his contract and would leave the club.[29]

Kilmarnock

On 29 January 2013, Clingan signed an 18-month contract with SPL side Kilmarnock.[30] Upon joining Kilmarnock, Clingan will be joined by compatriot Rory McKeown and manager Kenny Shiels.[31]

A few weeks after joining the club, Clingan made his first start, in a 1–1 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 13 February 2013. A few weeks later, Clingan scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–2 draw against Hibernian.[32] Two months later on 11 May 2013, Clingan scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–2 win over Dundee.[33] Clingan made fourteen appearances and scoring two times in his first half of the season.

In the 2013–14 season, Clingan was a suffered a knee injury after a challenge during a friendly match against Carlisle United and was substituted.[34] As a result, Clingan would be out for six weeks.[35] After being sidelined for six weeks, Clingan made his return to the first team against Celtic on 28 September 2013, which he scored from a free-kick, which Kilmarnock lost 5–2.[36] Despite the loss, Clingan said he will never forget the first time he played at Celtic Park.[37] Since then, Clingan struggled to regain his first team, as he was on the substitute bench and has his own injury concern much further, as he made eighteen appearances and scoring once in his second season.[38] Despite the injury, Clingan signed a 12 months contract with the club.[39]

In 2014–15 season, Clingan started the season well when he scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Motherwell on 22 August 2014.[40] However, Clingan's playing time was soon reduced when he suffered a knee injury that kept him out for five weeks.[41] Clingan made his first team return on 21 January 2015, in a 1–0 loss against Dundee.[42] Three weeks later on 14 February 2015, Clingan scored the last minute goal, in a 3–2 win over Dundee United.[43] Clingan continued to suffered two injuries towards the end of the season, as he made 27 appearances and scored two times in all competitions. At the end of the 2014–15 season, Clingan was released by the club.[44]

Linfield

Having been without a club for the entire 2015–16 season, Clingan made his return to football by signing for NIFL Premiership side Linfield, linking up with former Northern Ireland colleagues David Healy and Roy Carroll.[45]

Glenavon

Clingan left Linfield at the end of the 2016–17 season, and on 8 August 2017 it was announced that he had signed for Glenavon. His first goal for the club came in a 6–1 win over Ballymena United. Clingan's expertise from set pieces and penalties proved invaluable, scoring 12 goals as Glenavon ended the 2017–18 season with European qualification. Much of the following season, however, was disrupted by a long-term injury layoff which limited Clingan to just 10 appearances. Although Glenavon bettered the previous season's points total, a loss to Glentoran in the Europa League Playoff semi-final meant that they did not secure European football. On 23 June 2019, Clingan agreed another one-year deal at Glenavon, to the end of the 2019–20 season.

Clingan's contract with Glenavon expired at the end of the 2019–20 season. However, following full recovery from a calf injury, Clingan re-signed for Glenavon on 18 December 2020, to the end of the 2020–21 season.[46] He subsequently came off the bench in Glenavon's 2–1 away win against Warrenpoint Town the following day. Following a match against Linfield, Clingan sustained a knee injury which required surgery, effectively ending his playing career. Clingan retired at the end of the 2020–21 NIFL Premiership season.

International career

Clingan has represented Northern Ireland at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels. He gained six under-21 caps and captained the side. He made his senior debut at the Giants Stadium in New York City against Uruguay during Northern Ireland's two-game tour of the US in May 2006.[47]

His first competitive senior cap came in the 3–0 home defeat by Iceland on 2 September 2006, in the first match of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, and he has remained a fixture in the side since then, missing only two matches in the campaign through injury. His free kick set up David Healy's second goal in the 3–2 home victory over Spain on 6 September 2006, and he was named man of the match by the BBC commentary team in the 2–1 home victory over Denmark on 17 November 2007.

Career statistics

As of match played on 30 December 2018.[48][49]
ClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Wolverhampton Wanderers2001–02Division 1000000—00
2002–03Division 1000000—00
2003–04Premier League000000—00
2004–05Championship000000—00
2005–06Championship000000—00
Totals000000—00
Chesterfield (loan)2004–05League One1520000—152
Chesterfield (loan)2005–06League One21100001[lower-alpha 1]0221
Nottingham Forest2005–06League One1500000—150
2006–07League One28030103[lower-alpha 1]0350
2007–08League One4212020—461
Totals851503030961
Norwich City2008–09Championship4062010—436
Coventry City2009–10Championship3452000—365
2010–11Championship2800000—280
2011–12Championship3620000—362
Totals9872000—1007
Doncaster Rovers2012–13League One6020001[lower-alpha 1]090
Kilmarnock2012–13Scottish Premier League1421000—152
2013–14Scottish Premiership1810000—181
2014–15Scottish Premiership2421020—272
Totals5652020—605
Linfield2016–17NIFL Premiership11100101[lower-alpha 2]0131
Glenavon2017–18NIFL Premiership30122000—3212
2018–19NIFL Premiership1030000—103
2019–20NIFL Premiership920000—92
Totals49172000—5117
Career totals38140150706040940
  1. 1 2 3 Appearances in the FA Trophy.
  2. ↑ Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup.

Honours

References

  1. ↑ Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2008). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2008–09. Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84596-324-8.
  2. ↑ "Forest Land Clingan". nottinghamforest.co.uk. Nottingham Forest F.C. 23 January 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  3. ↑ "Forest seal Clingan deal". Sky Sports. 23 January 2005. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  4. ↑ "Calderwood concerned for Clingan". BBC Sport. 5 March 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  5. ↑ "Nott'm Forest 2-0 Crewe". BBC. 23 November 2007. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
  6. ↑ "Forest confirm Commons exit". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting. 21 May 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Burton, Chris (6 June 2008). "Calderwood keen to keep Clingan". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  8. ↑ "Iain Dowie wants Nottingham Forest's Sammy Clingan at QPR". Mirror. 2 June 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  9. ↑ "Clingan to join Canaries". nottinghamforest.co.uk. Nottingham Forest F.C. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  10. ↑ "Norwich secure deal for Clingan". BBC Sport. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  11. ↑ "Doherty handed Canaries captaincy". BBC Sport. 6 March 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  12. ↑ "Cottagers were keen on Clingan". Sky Sports. 10 February 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  13. ↑ "Sammy Clingan: No silver lining in relegation". Coventry Telegraph. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  14. ↑ "Clingan completes City move". ccfc.co.uk. Coventry City F.C. 24 July 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  15. ↑ "Clingan suffers toe blow". Sky Sports. 6 October 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  16. ↑ "Clingan wants to play more". Sky Sports. 2 September 2010. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  17. ↑ "Sammy Clingan named Coventry City captain". BBC Sport. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  18. ↑ "Draw leaves Thorn disappointed". Sky Sports. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  19. ↑ "Sammy Clingan wants to stay at Coventry City". BBC Sport. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  20. ↑ "Sammy Clingan undergoing intensive treatment on back injury". Coventry Telegraph. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  21. ↑ "Sammy Clingan ruled out of Coventry City Christmas games". Coventry Telegraph. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  22. ↑ "Coventry City: Injury woes deepen after Richard Wood and Sammy Clingan limp off at Reading". Coventry Telegraph. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  23. ↑ "Coventry can't Clingan to Sammy". Sky Sports. British Sky Broadcasting. 2 May 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  24. ↑ "Four players to be released". ccfc.co.uk. Coventry City F.C. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  25. ↑ "Charlton eye Sammy Clingan move on free transfer". Sky Sports. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  26. ↑ "Notts County 0 – 2 Doncaster Rovers". BBC Sport. 27 October 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  27. ↑ "DONCASTER ROVERS: Sammy's Clingan plea to stay on". The Star. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  28. ↑ "Clingan hopes to face old club Coventry". The Star. 14 December 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  29. ↑ "No deal for Sammy Clingan". Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
  30. ↑ "Kilmarnock complete signing of Northern Ireland international Sammy Clingan". STV News. Retrieved 29 January 2013.
  31. ↑ "New Killie signing Sammy Clingan hopes to get one over on pal Neil Lennon as he eyes Parkhead debut". Daily Record. Glasgow. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  32. ↑ "Hibernian 2–2 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 27 February 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  33. ↑ "Dundee 2 – 3 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  34. ↑ "Killie vs Carlisle". Daily Record. Glasgow. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  35. ↑ "Kilmarnock's Sammy Clingan to miss start of season with knee injury". STV Sport. 29 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  36. ↑ "Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  37. ↑ "Kilmarnock midfielder Sammy Clingan says scoring against Celtic would be a Parkhead debut to remember". Daily Record. Glasgow. 26 January 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  38. ↑ "Kilmarnock's Sammy Clingan set to miss six weeks with knee injury". STV Sport. 4 March 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  39. ↑ "Transfer news: Sammy Clingan signs new one-year deal with Kilmarnock". Sky Sports. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  40. ↑ "Kilmarnock 2–0 Motherwell". BBC Sport. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  41. ↑ "Crocked Killie ace Westlake out until after new year, reveals Rugby Park gaffer Allan Johnston". Glasgow Evening Times. 24 December 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  42. ↑ "Dundee 0 – 1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  43. ↑ "Kilmarnock 3 – 2 Dundee United". BBC Sport. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  44. ↑ "Kilmarnock: Sammy Clingan among five first-team exits". BBC Sport. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  45. ↑ "David Healy – "delighted to announce signing of Sammy Clingan"". 14 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  46. ↑ "Match preview: Sammy back with the Blues". 18 December 2020. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  47. ↑ "Clingan's Full Irish Debut". nottinghamforest.co.uk. Nottingham Forest F.C. 22 May 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  48. ↑ "Sammy Clingan Stats". Soccerbase.
  49. ↑ "S. Clingan". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
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