Jennings Sam Image 1 Reading 1921

Description

Cinderhill, Nottinghamshire born inside forward Sam Jennings joined his brother Bill at Southern League Norwich City in 1919 before he joined First Division Middlesbrough in March 1920, making his Football League debut at Everton in April 1920, scoring in a 5-2 defeat. His opportunities on Teeside were limited and after 2 goals in 10 matches he joined Reading in the summer of 1921, top scoring in all three of his seasons at Elm Park notching 45 times in 113 appearances for The Royals.

He joined First Division West Ham United in 1924, scoring the winner on his debut that August against Preston North End, but his brief time at Upton Park was ended when after 3 goals in 9 appearances he moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in March 1925. His excellent goal record on the South Coast saw 63 goals in 115 matches before he was transferred to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 1928.

Jennings was again the club’s top goalscorer with 16 goals in 28 matches, but moved to Port Vale in 1929 where his 24 league goals powered Vale to the Third Division (North) Championship in 1930.

He left Vale in September 1931 after 45 goals in 66 appearances, and joined Stockport County, but after 2 goals in 15 games at Edgeley Park he transferred to Burnley in January 1932. His 2 goals in 6 appearances in the remainder of 1931-32 would be his last Football League action before he played in France and also for Midland League club Scarborough. He later managed Rochdale from October 1937 to September 1938.

His brother Bill Jennings played with him at Norwich City and also played for Notts County before the War, Merthyr Town, Luton Town and Northampton Town.