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Sam Tickle
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Samuel Lloyd Tickle (born 31 March 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL League One club Wigan Athletic.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Sam Tickle is a youth product of Wigan Athletic, having joined their youth academy in 2012.[2] He was released at the end of the 2018 season. He then signed for Pilkington, making 21 league appearances[3] and was named player of the season as they won the Cheshire Football League.[4] During the 2018–19 season he was also selected as the number one for England Schoolboys FA & represented his country making five appearances, conceding only once. In 2019, he rejoined Wigan Athletic as a scholar.[2]
He made his professional debut with Wigan in a 2–0 EFL Trophy loss to Crewe Alexandra on 5 October 2021.[5]
On 19 March 2022, Tickle joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Nantwich Town on a youth loan until 14 April 2022.[6]
In July 2022, he joined Northern Premier League side Warrington Rylands on loan until January 2023.[7] He made two appearances for the club,[8] but was recalled by Wigan following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Ben Amos. He was named on the bench against Birmingham City on 20 August 2022. He returned to Warrington Rylands on loan until January, but after four appearances was recalled again due to injuries to Jones and then Amos. He was named on the bench against Hull City and for the consecutive 10 games.[9]
Despite off-the-field issues within the club, Tickle signed a new contract with Wigan Athletic in April 2023.[10] On 8 May 2023, the final day of the 2022–23 season, Tickle was handed his league debut, keeping a clean sheet as already relegated Wigan held Rotherham United to a goalless draw.[11]
Ahead of the 2023–24 season, Tickle was handed the number one shirt, manager Shaun Maloney revealing that he had known since his arrival that the goalkeeper would be his first-choice.[12][13] Following a highly impressive debut season that saw him labelled the best goalkeeper in the English Football League by his manager,[14] Tickle was named Wigan's Player of the Year, the first goalkeeper to win the award in thirteen years.[15] Following the conclusion of the season, he signed a new four-year contract amid reported interest from a number of Championship clubs.[16][17]
On 27 April 2025, Tickle was named in the EFL League One Team of the Season.[18]
International career
[edit]In September 2023, Tickle was called up to the England under-21 squad for the first time.[19] He made his U21 debut on 26 March 2024, playing the duration of a 7–0 win 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification win over Luxembourg at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.[20]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played 8 November 2025
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Pilkington F.C. | 2018-19 | Cheshire Premier Division | 21 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | ||
| Wigan Athletic | 2020–21 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2022–23 | Championship | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24 | League One | 46 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 52 | 0 | |
| 2024–25 | League One | 46 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 0 | |
| 2025–26 | League One | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| Total | 129 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 145 | 0 | ||
| Nantwich Town (loan) | 2021–22 | Northern Premier Division | 7 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Warrington Rylands (loan) | 2022–23 | Northern Premier Division | 6 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 142 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 158 | 0 | ||
- ^ a b Appearances in EFL Trophy
Honours
[edit]Individual
- Wigan Athletic Player of the Year: 2023–24[21]
- Wigan Athletic Players' Player of the Year: 2023–24[21]
- EFL League One Team of the Season: 2024–25[22]
References
[edit]- ^ "EFL Professional retain list 2019-20" (PDF). EFL.com. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ a b "Meet Wigan Athletic's New Under 18s For 2019-2021". Wigan Athletic. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
- ^ "Samuel Lloyd Tickle Player Stats". fulltime.thefa.com. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ @Pilkingtonfc (18 May 2019). "PLAYER OF THE YEAR & PLAYERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Congratulations to @SamTickle3 on winning the double!" (Tweet). Retrieved 1 September 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ FC, Wigan Athletic (5 October 2021). "Wigan Athletic FC - Sam Tickle | "It is a dream come true."". Wigan Athletic FC.
- ^ "Sam Tickle joins Nantwich Town on loan". Wigan Athletic FC. 19 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
- ^ "Academy | Sam Tickle Joins Warrington Rylands On Loan Until January". Wigan Athletic. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ "Warrington Rylands – Appearances – Sam Tickle". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
- ^ "Report: Blues 0-1 Wigan Athletic". Birmingham City Football Club. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
- ^ "Academy | Three U21s agree contract extensions". wiganathletic.com. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "Wigan 0–0 Rotherham: Latics and Millers play out goalless draw on final day". BBC Sport. 8 May 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ Kendrick, Paul (6 August 2023). "Wigan Athletic boss 'made big Sam Tickle decision six months ago'". Wigan Today. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "Latics confirm squad numbers for 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign". wiganathletic.com. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ Kendrick, Paul (21 January 2024). "Wigan Athletic boss insists his Young England star is 'best in the EFL'". Wigan Today. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "SAM TICKLE VOTED THE 2023/24 WIGAN ATHLETIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR!". wiganathletic.com. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "Sam Tickle commits long-term future to Wigan Athletic". wiganathletic.com. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ Jones, Jordan (3 April 2024). "Preston North End face new transfer rival for 'best goalkeeper' outside the Premier League". Lancashire Evening Post. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ FC, Wigan Athletic (27 April 2025). "Sam Tickle named in the EFL Sky Bet League One Team of the Season!". Wigan Athletic FC. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ "England MU21s squad named for Luxembourg". englandfootball.com. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
- ^ "Report: England MU21s 7-0 Luxembourg". englandfootball.com. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ a b "2023/24 End of Season Awards". Wigan Athletic FC. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ Ashton, Ben (27 April 2025). "Burnley's Parker and Blades' Hamer win EFL awards". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
External links
[edit]Sam Tickle
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Upbringing in Warrington
Samuel Lloyd Tickle was born on 31 March 2002 in Warrington, England.[6] Growing up in this industrial town in Cheshire, located near Greater Manchester, Tickle was immersed in a region with a strong football heritage, including proximity to clubs like Wigan Athletic, which became his boyhood team.[3] Warrington's local football scene, featuring community pitches and youth setups, provided early opportunities for young players like Tickle to engage with the sport, fostering his initial passion amid a working-class environment typical of the area.[7] Details on Tickle's family background remain limited in public records, but his parents have been notably supportive throughout his development, attending key milestones such as his England U21 debut in 2024.[3] His father, a Manchester United fan, influenced Tickle's early fandom and appreciation for top-level football.[8] This familial encouragement aligned with Warrington's community-oriented sports culture, where local matches and grassroots involvement often spark lifelong interests in the game. From a young age, Tickle showed a particular affinity for goalkeeping, drawn to the position's demands for diving, shot-stopping, and command of the penalty area, which he described as enjoyable regardless of the level played.[3] His early exposure to football in Warrington led him to pursue structured training, culminating in joining the Wigan Athletic youth academy in 2012 at age 10.[9]Wigan Athletic academy
Sam Tickle joined Wigan Athletic's youth academy in 2012 at the age of 10, drawn to the club as a nearby option from his hometown of Warrington.[10][6] Over the next six years, Tickle advanced through the academy's age-group teams, focusing on developing core goalkeeping attributes such as shot-stopping, positioning, and handling under pressure.[11] His training emphasized technical proficiency and tactical awareness, though physical growth remained a challenge during this period.[3] In 2018, at age 16, Tickle was released from the academy following a decision not to offer him a scholarship, attributed to his then-modest height of 5ft 7in and concerns over his overall physical maturity amid competitive selection.[12][13] This release marked the end of his initial academy tenure, prompting a reevaluation of his developmental path.[7]Pilkington FC stint
Following his release from the Wigan Athletic academy at the age of 16 in the summer of 2018, Sam Tickle signed with Pilkington FC, a non-league club competing in the Cheshire Football League Premier Division, the 11th tier of the English football pyramid.[11] This move marked his entry into senior men's football, providing an opportunity to continue developing outside the structured youth environment.[13] During the 2018–19 season, Tickle established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for Pilkington FC, making numerous appearances in the league as the team clinched the Cheshire League Premier Division title on goal difference.[7] His performances were instrumental in the club's success, culminating in him being named the club's Player of the Season, a recognition of his reliability and shot-stopping ability at such a young age.[11] Tickle's time at Pilkington proved formative, exposing him to the intense physical and tactical demands of non-league football, which he later described as a "real eye-opener."[7] The step up to adult competition required him to toughen up mentally and physically, particularly in dealing with aggressive challenges during crosses and the relentless nature of matches, where he admitted to being "smashed" in early games but ultimately grew from the experience.[3] Despite the challenges, he embraced the environment, noting that it accelerated his maturation and deepened his passion for the goalkeeper position.[7]Club career
Return to Wigan Athletic
Following his time at Pilkington FC, where he gained first-team experience in non-league football that helped build his resilience, Tickle rejoined Wigan Athletic in 2019 as a scholar.[11][13] In the summer of 2021, Tickle signed his first professional contract with the club, marking a significant step in his progression from the academy.[14] He made his professional debut for Wigan on 5 October 2021, starting in a 0–2 EFL Trophy defeat to Crewe Alexandra at the Mornflake Stadium.[15] During this early phase, Tickle was integrated into first-team pre-season training and primarily served as a backup goalkeeper behind the established options.[14]Loan spells
Following his return to Wigan Athletic, Sam Tickle was sent on loan to gain senior experience in lower-tier football.[16] On 19 March 2022, Tickle joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Nantwich Town on a youth loan until 14 April 2022, where he made 7 appearances.[16] This short spell provided Tickle with his first taste of competitive senior matches, helping him build match fitness through regular game time in a demanding non-league environment.[17] Later that year, from July 2022 until January 2023, Tickle moved on loan to Northern Premier League club Warrington Rylands, featuring in 6 matches.[18][11] The extended period at Rylands allowed him to further develop his tactical understanding, adapting to varied opposition styles and high-pressure situations in front of modest crowds, which enhanced his composure under duress.[17] These loan experiences collectively improved Tickle's readiness for professional football by exposing him to real-match scenarios, boosting his physical conditioning, and refining his decision-making in competitive settings away from youth development.[11][17]First-team breakthrough
Tickle's breakthrough in the Wigan Athletic first team began with his league debut on 8 May 2023, starting in goal during a 0–0 draw against Rotherham United at the DW Stadium.[19] This appearance came in the final match of the 2022–23 Championship season, marking his first senior outing for the club after years in the academy and loan spells.[17] In the subsequent 2023–24 League One campaign, Tickle established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, starting all 46 league matches and contributing to Wigan's 12th-place finish.[13] His previous loan experiences at lower-league clubs such as Nantwich Town and Warrington Rylands had equipped him with essential match experience that facilitated this seamless transition to regular senior football.[17] Tickle's consistency was recognized when he was voted the Wigan Athletic Player of the Year for 2023–24, becoming the first goalkeeper to win the supporters' award since Ali Al Habsi in 2010–11.[20] Following this standout season, Tickle secured his long-term future at the club by signing a four-year contract extension on 23 May 2024, committing to Wigan until the summer of 2028.[21] The deal reflected the club's confidence in his development and potential as a key asset in their League One ambitions.[22] Tickle maintained his position as first-choice goalkeeper in the 2024–25 League One season, starting all 46 league matches and keeping 18 clean sheets, contributing to Wigan's 15th-place finish.[23][24] Across all competitions, he recorded 20 clean sheets in 52 appearances.[25] His performances earned him the EFL League One Goalkeeper of the Season award, as well as Wigan Athletic's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year honours.[3] As of November 2025, Tickle continued as Wigan's primary goalkeeper in the 2025–26 League One season, having started all 15 matches with 3 clean sheets.[5]International career
Youth internationals
Tickle earned his first call-up to the England under-21 squad in September 2023 for the opening UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 qualifying match against Luxembourg, marking the first time a Wigan Athletic player had been selected at that level since 2012.[26] He had previously represented England at schoolboy level as an under-16 international.[26] Although included in the 23-man squad assembled at St George's Park, Tickle did not feature in the 3-0 victory on 11 September, with James Beadle starting in goal.[27][28] He received a further call-up in March 2024 for qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.[29] Tickle made his under-21 debut on 26 March 2024 against Luxembourg at the Amex Stadium, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 7-0 win, during which he kept a clean sheet.[30][31] He had been an unused substitute three days earlier in the 5-1 away victory over Azerbaijan.[32] Tickle continued to be involved in the qualifying campaign, earning selections for subsequent camps despite an injury withdrawal in November 2023 that ruled him out of matches against Serbia and Northern Ireland.[33] He was named in the squad for the final qualifiers in October 2024 against Ukraine and Azerbaijan, which secured England's qualification for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship as group winners.[34] Following qualification, Tickle was not selected for the finals squad in June 2025. As of November 2025, his sole under-21 appearance remains the March 2024 outing against Luxembourg.[32][35]Potential senior pathway
As of November 2025, Sam Tickle has not earned any senior caps for the England national team. His debut for the England U21 side in March 2024 served as a key stepping stone. Following this breakthrough, Tickle was a regular in the squad for UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, including the final matches against Ukraine and Azerbaijan in October 2024. In 2024, Tickle attracted significant interest from Premier League clubs, notably Arsenal, who explored a potential transfer deal in August to bolster their goalkeeping options with a homegrown player.[36] The exploratory move did not materialize, as Tickle opted to remain at Wigan Athletic to secure regular first-team minutes in EFL League One rather than accept a backup role.[37] This decision underscored his focus on building match experience, which experts view as crucial for advancing toward senior international contention.[38] Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, Tickle's trajectory toward the senior England squad depends on his continued excellence in League One, where his role as Wigan's primary goalkeeper has drawn praise from scouts.[39] Analysts have noted his under-21 contributions and domestic form as factors that could elevate him into senior consideration, particularly if England seeks young, versatile goalkeepers.[40]Playing style and reception
Goalkeeping attributes
Sam Tickle, standing at 188 cm, possesses a commanding physical presence in goal that aids his aerial dominance and ability to cover the net effectively. His height contributes to strong organizational skills, where he excels at claiming crosses—ranking fourth among goalkeepers across the top four English divisions as of December 2023—and frequently opting for punches, the highest in the division at that time. This aerial prowess allows him to command his penalty area assertively, directing defenders and maintaining defensive structure during set pieces.[11] Tickle's shot-stopping ability is a standout attribute, characterized by quick reflexes and agility that enable spectacular saves, particularly against long-range efforts.[41] In League One play, his reliability in high-stakes moments is underscored by preventing over 1.5 goals beyond expected goals on target (xGOT) as of December 2023. His confidence in pressure situations is evident from his rapid progression, seamlessly adapting from eighth-tier football to professional League One demands without faltering.[11] Reflecting modern goalkeeper requirements, Tickle demonstrates comfort in playing out from the back, integrating well into build-up play with precise short passes and versatile long distributions reaching up to 93 yards to initiate attacks. This distribution skill, despite areas for improvement in long passing accuracy, aligns with his role in Wigan Athletic's possession-oriented style, where he serves as the first outlet for progression. Coaches have noted these traits as foundational to his infectious leadership on the pitch.[11][41]Critical acclaim and awards
Sam Tickle has garnered significant praise from analysts for his rapid development as a goalkeeper, with The Athletic describing him in late 2023 as possessing "unmistakable ability" and "clear confidence" in his transition to professional football.[11] This recognition highlighted his poise under pressure during his breakthrough season at Wigan Athletic, where his shot-stopping prowess played a key role in earning widespread acclaim.[42] In the 2023–24 campaign, Tickle became the first goalkeeper in 13 years to win Wigan Athletic's Player of the Year award, since Ali Al-Habsi in the 2010/11 season, a testament to his consistent performances across all 46 League One matches. Club officials and profiles have further noted his infectious character, emphasizing how his organizational skills and positive demeanor have endeared him to teammates and fans alike.[13] Tickle's form continued into the 2024/25 season, where he recorded 20 clean sheets across all competitions and was named the League One Goalkeeper of the Season. He also won Wigan's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards for the second consecutive season, and was selected to the EFL League One Team of the Season in April 2025.[3][43] By June 2025, Tickle's rising profile was reflected in his market value, which reached €1.20 million according to Transfermarkt assessments, underscoring his growing reputation in English football.[1]Career statistics
Club appearances
Sam Tickle has recorded 158 club appearances as of 19 November 2025, all without scoring goals as a goalkeeper. His professional career began with loan spells in non-league football before breaking through at Wigan Athletic, where he has become a regular starter in League One and domestic cup competitions. These appearances reflect his progression from academy product to key first-team player, with notable contributions to Wigan's promotion push and subsequent consolidation in the third tier.[44] Early in his career, Tickle gained experience through loans at Northern Premier League clubs. In March 2022, he joined Nantwich Town on a short-term youth loan, making 3 appearances in the Premier Division during the 2021–22 season. Later that summer, he moved to Warrington Rylands on loan until January 2023, where he featured in 6 matches across the 2022–23 Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign before being recalled.[45][11] Tickle's first-team opportunities at Wigan came in the 2022–23 Championship season, with a single appearance. His breakthrough occurred in 2023–24, when he started all 46 League One matches, recording 15 clean sheets and conceding 56 goals, helping Wigan secure a playoff spot. The following 2024–25 season saw him maintain his form with 46 League One starts, achieving 18 clean sheets while conceding 42 goals. As of 19 November 2025 in the 2025–26 season, he has added 15 League One appearances with 3 clean sheets. He has also featured consistently in cup ties, including the EFL Cup, FA Cup, and EFL Trophy.[44][46] The following table summarizes Tickle's club appearances by season and competition:| Season | Club/Loan | Competition | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Nantwich Town (loan) | Northern Premier League Premier Division | 3 | Not available | Not available |
| 2021–22 | Wigan Athletic | EFL Trophy | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Warrington Rylands (loan) | Northern Premier League Premier Division | 6 | Not available | Not available |
| 2022–23 | Wigan Athletic | Championship | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | Wigan Athletic | League One | 46 | 56 | 15 |
| 2023–24 | Wigan Athletic | FA Cup | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023–24 | Wigan Athletic | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | Wigan Athletic | EFL Trophy | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Wigan Athletic | League One | 46 | 42 | 18 |
| 2024–25 | Wigan Athletic | FA Cup | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 2024–25 | Wigan Athletic | EFL Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Wigan Athletic | League One | 15 | 19 | 3 |
| 2025–26 | Wigan Athletic | FA Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Wigan Athletic | EFL Trophy | 3 | 2 | 2 |
International caps
Sam Tickle has earned one cap for the England under-21 national team, with no senior international appearances to date.[32] His sole outing came in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying match for the 2025 tournament, where he started and played the full 90 minutes.[30] Tickle's debut occurred on 26 March 2024, during a 7–0 victory over Luxembourg at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton. As the starting goalkeeper, he kept a clean sheet despite early threats from Luxembourg forwards Lohei and Englaro, who hit the post.[30] This appearance marked his progression to the under-21 level following prior call-ups to the squad, including in September 2023 for initial qualifiers, though he remained an unused substitute in those matches.[26] No caps have been recorded at lower youth levels such as under-19 or under-18, though Tickle represented the England Schoolboys at under-16.[14]| Level | Caps | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Minutes Played | Competition | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England U21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 90 | UEFA U21 EURO Qualifying | 26 Mar 2024 | Luxembourg | 7–0 win |