Sam Ricketts is a Welsh defender born on October 11, 1981 in Aylesbury, England. He was a keen horseman in his teens drawing inspiration from his father Derek Ricketts, 1978 World Show Jumping Champion and uncle, John Francome, former National Hunt Champion. Sam Ricketts earned his first Welsh cap in February 2005 in a match against Hungary and has played 28 games for the national team so far. He also played in the World Cup qualifier against England in September 2005 at the Millennium Stadium.
Having come through the youth ranks at the Manor Ground, Sam Ricketts started his career with Oxford United F.C. at Swindon Town in October 2000. His stint with the club lasted 48 matches including two loan spells with Nuneaton Borough F.C. In the summer of 2003 Sam Ricketts joined Telford United F.C. in an ambitious move to play at the Football Conference. His great form in the season that followed earned him a seat in the England non-league XI.
In an effort to return to the Football League, he moved to Swansea City F.C. in May 2004 for an astounding fee of £3m. By the end of the 2005-06 season, he had appeared 103 times for the club, scoring thrice.
Sam Ricketts was snapped up by Hull City A.F.C in July 2006 on a three-year contract for a £300,000 fee. He went on to become the club's most capped Wales international player, beating the record held by Dave Roberts since 1978.
Sam Ricketts made a full appearance in the win over Bristol City F.C. in the Championship play-off final at the Wembley Stadium. This victory took Hull City to the Premier League for the first-time in the club's 104 year history. Although Sam Ricketts is mostly used in defence, he is capable of playing midfield as well as any other position in the back four with the same ease.
