Sam Hird spent almost a decade at Leeds United without making a first-team appearance. Years later, he returned to face them at Wembley and helped Doncaster Rovers secure promotion to the Championship.

I sit down with Sam to explore the resilience, self-belief and work ethic behind his career in professional football.

We discuss his six years and nearly 250 appearances at Chesterfield, changing Paul Cook’s mind after being placed on the transfer list, battling serious injuries and eventually being released by text message while he was still recovering.

Sam also shares the story of helping Barrow return to the Football League, being unexpectedly placed on furlough after being told how important his experience would be, and the opportunity that followed to begin his coaching career.

He explains why he ultimately left coaching at Bolton Wanderers and how his current role with the PFA allows him to support players through contracts, disputes, setbacks and the realities of professional football.

This is an honest conversation about rejection, loyalty, difficult decisions and believing in yourself when your career does not go to plan.

The AGB Show is hosted by me, Joe Edwards, produced by ODGE MEDIA and sponsored by Intec Office Systems.

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