Sam Clucas is a great example of a fairytale non-league to top flight story, starring in all of the top five tiers of English football.

After being released by Leicester City at a young age, Lincoln City became the benefactors of it. He signed for his hometown club, and made his debut in the Football League Trophy, his sole appearance for the club, before being let go.

He would go on to work at a Debenhams in his city, before accepting a place at the Glenn Hoddle Academy, which gave him the opportunity to sign for Hereford, who played in the National League in 2012/13. He would score nine goals and notch up 10 assists for the club before moving up to Mansfield Town.

His time with the Stags was also a short stay, scoring 13 goals, before he would rise up to League One side Chesterfield. He would continue to impress in League One before a switch to Championship side Hull City helped his magical story come true.

His promotion from the Championship with the Tigers, where he scored six and assisted eight, meant he became the first player to feature in the all of the top five English divisions in as many seasons, rising from Hereford to the top flight.

He would perform well in the Premier League despite the Tigers’ relegation and would stay in the division with Swansea City. He remained at South Wales for one season, before moving to the Potters in the 2018/19 season.

His return to the Championship, this time with City, was a time for adjustment and in the following season he would become the Club’s biggest goal threat from midfield, scoring an impressive 11 goals.

He has returned to being a dominating presence in the Potters’ side after some minor setbacks in 2021.

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