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Sam Signs For ‘Stoke!

We are very proud to announce that Sam Deadfield has returned to Basingstoke Town on a season-long loan from St Albans FC, marking his comeback after six years away from the club.

At 27, Sam is no stranger to the ‘Stoke faithful, having delivered a series of standout performances in his earlier years. Back then, he played under Terry Brown and Jason Bristow, while also spending a season working with Dan Brownlie during his time as Assistant Manager. Since then, Sam and Dan have stayed in regular contact, as Dan Brownlie explains…

“Sam was one of the first players I met at Basingstoke. In my first week here I found myself up in Manchester watching him, Sam Smart and Dan Bayliss as part of the Jamie Vardy trials at Manchester City’s training ground. I was so impressed with him. We’ve maintained a really good relationship ever since his departure back in 2018.”

We caught up with Sam and his thoughts on returning to the club:

“Honestly? I’m really excited to be back at such a great club and working with two brilliant people in Dan and Aaron. I’m hoping I can contribute to an already impressive start and what I’m sure will be a very successful season! See you all Saturday.”

Deadfield went on to play for Dulwich Hamlet and more notably Hampton & Richmond where he was commonly featured in National League South teams of the week. He then signed for St Albans City at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.

“To have had Sam when he was younger was a joy.” Said Dan Brownlie, “Bringing Sam back, now with a wealth of experience was an opportunity we simply couldn’t pass up. He’s got a wonderful young family around him with his wife Frankie and daughter Delilah, and the importance of being closer to home played a significant role in his tough decision to leave St Albans. I have to say, St Albans have been first class throughout the whole process. A big thank you to David Noble and Leigh Page for their understanding and support.”

“As for Sam, those who know him need no reminder of his qualities. I’ve always admired his ability to take control in tight spaces, his awareness of everything around him, and his exceptional passing skills. We’re incredibly proud to welcome him back to Basingstoke, and I have no doubt our supporters will be just as proud to see him wearing our shirt again. Culturally, he’ll fit right in. He trained with us yesterday [Thursday] and you could see that straight away. It’s going to take time for Sam to settle in, of course it will, but we’re excited about what we know he can bring to this team.” 

Sam will be available for selection in our home league game versus Taunton Town tomorrow afternoon!

Sam Deadfield, welcome back to Basingstoke!