Whatever Happened To... Sam Stockley

After four years at Layer Road, Stockley was released at the end of the 2006 promotion season, having spent the final months of his U's contract on loan at Blackpool.

He dropped down to League Two and signed a two-year contract for the U's Conference rivals Wycombe Wanderers, where he was a first team regular during his first season at Adams Park, but lost his place during his second season. He had a trial at MLS outfit FC Dallas in February 2008, before being released the Chairboys, having made 65 appearances, scoring one goal. During his time at Wycombe he started to have problems with his eyesight and was forced to wear Edgar Davids-esq glasses whilst playing.

He remained in League Two, securing a two-year contract at Port Vale, where he was quickly named club captain. Despite being the skipper at Vale Park, he only made 25 appearances during his first season. Early into his second season with the Valiants he was transfer listed by Vale boss Micky Adams - along with the rest of the Port Vale squad! In November 2009, 12 games into the season, he announced his retirement, at the age of 32, taking the decision to retire on medical advice due to his eye problems.

In January 2010 he came out of retirement to sign with Hungarian club Ferencváros in a player-coach capacity.

He joined Conference North club Telford United in January 2011 on non-contract terms, but never made an appearance them and a month later signed for their league rivals Droylsden.

In spring 2011 year he moved to the USA and joined FC New York in the USL Professional Division, making 16 appearances for them. FC New York only spent one year in the professional league and in April 2012 he signed for Carolina RailHawks, who play in the North American Soccer League. He is currently Director of Coaching at XL Soccer World in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Clubs since leaving the U's: Wycombe Wanderers, Port Vale, Ferencvárosi Torna Club (Hungary), Telford United, Droylsden, FC New York (USA), Carolina RailHawks (USA).

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This article was originally published on 14th December 2011 and last updated on 4th October 2012.

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