Goalkeeper Sam Tickle signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2021, having been at the Club since 2012.

Sam, who previously represented England School Boys as an U16, has impressed throughout his progression in Latics Academy. The young goalkeeper has been in and around the first-team squad since 2020, after previously playing above his age group for the U23s when he was a scholar. 

An excellent shot-stopper with strong organisational skills, Sam made his professional debut in the Papa John's Trophy fixture at Crewe Alexandra in October 2021, enjoying a standout performance at the Mornflake Stadium. He later headed out on loan during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, spending time with Northern Premier League side Nantwich Town.

Sam briefly returned to the Northern Premier League with Warrington Rylands earlier this season, but due to injuries in Latics' goalkeeping cohort, the young goalkeeper has recently played the role of understudy during a number of Championship games.