Sam Tickle looks back at his career so far in pictures as part of the EFL's Youth Development Week
- Career In Pictures | Sam Tickle
- Latics goalkeeper looks back at his career so far in pictures, as part of the EFL's Youth Development Week
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As part of the EFL's Youth Development Week, Sam Tickle takes a look at some memorable images from his exciting career to date...
May 2012 | Sam Tickle joins Wigan Athletic’s Pre-Academy
THE START OF THE JOURNEY
“I joined Wigan Athletic back in 2012, having originally played grassroots football in the local area. I’ve now been with the Football Club for over a decade, and it’s been an incredible ride so far. It hasn’t been easy at times, but all the experiences have shaped me into the person and player I am today.
“I have worked incredibly hard throughout the years, investing a lot of time developing myself. I am glad that my hard work has been starting to pay off, especially over the last 12 months. I’ve had an amazing journey, and I still feel like it’s only just getting started.”
Tuesday 5 October 2021 | Crewe Alexandra 2 Latics 0
THE PROFESSIONAL DEBUT
“It was a special night to make my professional debut against Crewe Alexandra. I always dreamt of playing for the Wigan Athletic first-team when I was a kid and it was a surreal moment to make my first appearance in the EFL Trophy.
“I had trained with the first team for a number of years under Paul Cook and then Leam Richardson, and I had patiently waited for an opportunity to come. I wanted to make sure that I impressed, and made the most of my chance to showcase what I can do.
“I felt like I had a good game on the night, even though the result didn’t go our way against an experienced Crewe side. It gave me a real confidence boost that I could perform at the senior level, and I definitely took the experience into the next few seasons with the U21s.”
Monday 8 May 2023 | Latics 0 Rotherham United 0
CHAMPIONSHIP CLEAN SHEET KEEPER
“This is a day that I will never forget. It was the final match of the 2022/23 Championship season, and I was given my first opportunity to play in the EFL by the Gaffer and his coaching staff.
“I had a good season with the U21s last season, and I knew that an opportunity could potentially come up due to the Gaffer’s willingness to give youngsters a chance. It was then up to me to take it with both hands and thankfully I was able to do that.
“The supporters really got behind me, and it’s something that has always stuck with me. It was the first time in my career I heard people singing my name, and it made my league debut feel even more special.”
Saturday 5 August 2023 | Derby County 1 Latics 2
WIGAN’S NUMBER ONE
“This time last year, I was playing U21s football, and I am proud that I’ve been able to make the number one shirt my own this season. It’s a huge achievement so early in my career, and it fills me with pride to be able to represent this Football Club week in, and week out.
“I’ve really enjoyed my first full season in professional football so far, and I know there’s still so much more to come from myself. I am determined to keep improving and developing every day, and hopefully contribute to more clean sheets and victories between now and the end of the season.”
Saturday 19 August 2023 | Bolton Wanderers 0 Latics 4
DERBY DAY DELIGHT
“Nothing beats a Tics Away Day, and this is right up there with the very best. No one gave us a chance in the build-up to the game, especially with what we went through during the summer, and how Bolton were off the back of a Play-Off campaign.
“The lads were brilliant on the day, and the supporters in the stands made a huge difference. To win 4-0 away at Bolton Wanderers for a second consecutive time was unbelievable, and a proud moment for everyone. We knew how much the game meant to the fans, and we were glad to send them home happy.
“Away Days are one of my favourite things about football. Our fans always travel in numbers, and we appreciate their support every week. They are always behind us from minute one, which never goes unnoticed.”
Friday 1 September 2023 | Sam Tickle called up by England U21s
TICKLE THE THREE LION
“It was a massive honour to have been called up by England U21s last year, and I am glad that I was able to make my family and the Football Club proud. It just shows how far I’ve come over the last year.
“The experience was unbelievable, especially playing alongside the team who had won the European Championships in the summer before. I gained so much out of it, and even though I was with Premier League footballers, I didn’t feel out of place at all.
“I want to thank everyone at Wigan Athletic for helping make the call-ups happen and supporting me in my journey. I will be forever grateful to the Wigan Athletic Academy, and in particular, the goalkeeper coaches who have all helped me learn and develop over the years.”
Monday 8 January 2024 | Latics 0 Manchester United 2
SHINING AGAINST THE RED DEVILS
“It was an incredible opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in English football. Manchester United have a team full of superstars, and we felt like we gave a really positive account of ourselves.
“I was fortunate enough to make a number of saves, and it was surreal to line up against the likes of Raphael Varane, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford. We unfortunately couldn’t get the victory that we all wanted, but I still feel like it was a performance to be proud of.
“It was unforgettable to play in front of a sold-out crowd at the DW Stadium, and the noise generated by both sets of supporters made it a fantastic atmosphere. My Dad is a United fan, so it made the occasion even bigger for me.
“Wigan is home to me though, and I’ve been here so long now that I support the Club as well. One of the best things about being a Tic is that it’s never boring!”
Tuesday 27 February 2024 | Latics 1 Bolton Wanderers 0
IT HAPPENED AGAIN!
“What an incredible night at the DW Stadium for everyone associated with the Football Club. It will definitely live long in the memory of all the players and the supporters because we all came together to prevail on Derby Day yet again.
“We had to be patient for chances to come our way, and defend as a unit, and all the lads performed brilliantly. Humps (Stephen Humphrys) took his goal really well, and the celebrations after the game were unforgettable.
“We all loved the Wigan Pier tunes at the end, and it felt so special to celebrate with our supporters. Completing the double over Bolton Wanderers was a great feeling and one I won’t forget in a hurry.
“We will take a lot of confidence from the game into the rest of the season. Hopefully we can finish 2023/24 strongly and make our supporters proud.”
