Sam Hetherington
- Position
- Midfielder
- Age
- 20
- Date of birth
Sam Hetherington
Date of Birth: 6th February 2006
Position: Midfielder
Sam returned to Darlington ahead of the 2026/27 season following a successful loan spell with the Quakers during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign. The midfielder quickly became a popular figure at Blackwell Meadows, making 16 appearances and scoring twice during his time with the club.
Sam began his career in the academy at Carlisle United, progressing through the youth ranks before making three first-team appearances in the EFL Trophy. He also gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell with Workington in the first half of the 2024/25 season.
Following his impressive performances at Darlington, Sam signed his first professional contract with Carlisle United at the end of the 2024/25 season. Although he did not make a first-team appearance during the 2025/26 campaign, he remained highly regarded by the Cumbrians, returning for pre-season and featuring for 45 minutes in a 3–2 victory over Motherwell before making his permanent return to Blackwell Meadows.
Now back at Darlington, Sam brings energy, technical quality and familiarity with the club as he looks to build on the strong impression he made during his previous spell with the Quakers.
Manager’s Quote
“Sam’s a player we know well — a very good character and very hungry. We’d spoken to Carlisle about him last season, so to secure him as our player this time round is a really good addition. He’s played numerous positions across midfield and the wide areas, and being left-footed he gives us another bit of quality and some good balance. A lot of the lads already know him, and hopefully he’ll make a big impact for us.”
— Steve Watson
— Steve Watson
