# Sam Minihan

Samuel Joseph Minihan (born 16 February 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays for National League North club Southport.

## Early and personal life

Minihan was born in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and attended Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School. Minihan grew up in Bamford with his mum, dad and sister.

## Career
### Rochdale

He started his career with his local side Rochdale and signed a two-year scholarship terms in the summer of 2010. He made his professional debut for Dale on 14 April 2012, in the Football League One 3–2 victory over Exeter City. On 1 May 2012, Sam signed a two-year professional deal with the club, along with fellow youngster Luke Watson. In October 2012, he joined Conference North side Droylsden on a one-month loan deal.
In May 2013, Minihan was released from his contract and left Rochdale.

### Loughborough University

From 2013 to 2015, Minihan played for Loughborough University F.C. of the Midland Football League. In 2014, he took part in a high-profile friendly against a Manchester United Youth XI. He captained a Loughborough side that went on to lose 2–0.

### Worcester City

Minihan joined Worcester City of the National League North in 2015. In his first season at the club, he made thirty-four appearances for the first team, scoring one goal, and was awarded Young Player of the Season, and Player's Player of the Season.

### Stockport County

On 16 June 2016, Minihan rejected an option for an extra year with Worcester and signed for Stockport County, also of the National League North, on a free transfer ten days later. The player desired to be closer to his family in the North West. After picking up the club's 2016/17 Young Player of the Year award in his first season, Minihan was rewarded with an improved two-year deal.

### FC Halifax Town

On 28 July 2022, Minihan returned to the National League to join FC Halifax Town. Minihan left Halifax in May 2023.

### Buxton

On 3 August 2023 it was announced that Miniham had joined National League North club Buxton. Minihan left at the end of the season.

### Southport

On 3 June 2024 it was announced that Miniham had joined Southport.

## Career statistics

    As of end of 2023–24 season
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | FA Cup | FA Cup | League Cup | League Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Rochdale | 2011–12 | League One | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Droylsden (loan) | 2012–13 | Conference North | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Loughborough University | 2013–14 | Midland Football Alliance | | | | | — | — | | | | |
| Loughborough University | 2014–15 | MFL - Premier Division | | | | | — | — | | | | |
| Worcester City | 2015–16 | National League North | 34 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 38 | 1 |
| Stockport County | 2016–17 | National League North | 37 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | 42 | 2 |
| Stockport County | 2017–18 | National League North | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 16 | 2 |
| Stockport County | 2018–19 | National League North | 35 | 1 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 6 | 0 | 46 | 1 |
| Stockport County | 2019–20 | National League | 35 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 1 | 39 | 2 |
| Stockport County | 2020–21 | National League | 39 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | 43 | 0 |
| Stockport County | 2021–22 | National League | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| Stockport County | Total | Total | 174 | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1 | 204 | 7 |
| FC Halifax Town | 2022–23 | National League | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Buxton | 2023–24 | National League North | 37 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 37 | 2 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 271 | 9 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 1 | 305 | 10 |
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 Appearances in the FA Trophy

## Honours

Stockport County
* National League: 2021–22