Born 3/8/89 in Slough, Berkshire
A season of major progress in 2006/07 was completed with a first team debut as a substitute in the final league game against Everton.

Sam was then part of the first team pre-season visit to the United States that followed, ex-manager José Mourinho speaking about him as a future member of the Chelsea squad.

However after just five reserve games in 2007/08, injury and eventually surgery brought the season to a halt but he should return fit and well in the new campaign.

The reserve team captain prior to his set-back, Sam is a right-back or centre-back who first joined the Academy aged nine.

He was second highest appearance maker in the reserves the season before last season and has been a member of the England Under 19 squad.

Now in his fourth year full-time at the club, he signed a new four-year contract in August 2007.