Conor Sammon

Born in Dublin, Sammon started his career with Malahide United before moving to Cherry Orchard.{{cite news | url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dicker-eyes-national-callup-as-life-gets-better-by-the-seaside-2567633.html | title=Dicker eyes national call-up as life gets better by the seaside | publisher=Independent.ie | date=6 March 2011 | access-date=16 May 2011 | archive-date=2 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102132457/http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dicker-eyes-national-callup-as-life-gets-better-by-the-seaside-2567633.html | url-status=live }} He then signed a scholarship deal with UCD ahead of the 2005 season.{{cite web | url=http://www.ucd.ie/sport/scholarships_newsnov042.htm | title=UCD Sport | date=17 November 2004 | access-date=16 May 2011 | archive-date=17 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517023001/http://www.ucd.ie/sport/scholarships_newsnov042.htm | url-status=live }}

Sammon scored a hat trick in the Harding Cup final in February 2005. On 8 April 2005 he made his League of Ireland debut as a substitute at Turners Cross. His first league goal came exactly one year later when he netted a brace against Bray Wanderers at Belfield Park.

His single goal knocked Derry City out of the 2007 FAI Cup with a deft near post finish at the Brandywell.[http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2007/0921/derryucd.html Derry City 0–1 UCD] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012145844/http://rte.ie/sport/soccer/2007/0921/derryucd.html |date=12 October 2007 }} RTÉ Sport, 21 September 2007 Sammon was nominated for 2007 PFAI Young Player of the Year, he lost out to Mark Quigley of St Patrick's Athletic.[http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2615 PFAI and Ford announce nominees for annual awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214144600/http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2615 |date=14 December 2007 }} FAI, 12 November 2007

The club's fans humorously{{according to whom|date=June 2022}} dubbed him Sammon of college, before a number of impressive performances saw him snapped up by fellow League of Ireland side Derry City in December 2007.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/7134782.stm | title=Sammon delight at joining Derry | publisher=BBC Sport | date=8 December 2007 | access-date=1 February 2011 | archive-date=13 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113024110/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/7134782.stm | url-status=live }}

File:Connor Sammon - 2.jpg in August 2009.]]

After a short trial, Sammon signed a three-year deal with Kilmarnock in July 2008 for an undisclosed fee,{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/7518873.stm | title=Killie pip Accies to sign Sammon | publisher=BBC Sport | date=28 July 2008 | access-date=1 February 2011}} and made his debut on 9 August 2008 in a 1–0 win against Hibernian.{{cite web | url=http://www.killiefc.com/Season%202008-09/KilmarnockFC/Player%20Profiles/28ConorSammon.htm | title=Player Profile: Conor Sammon | access-date=1 February 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721075746/http://www.killiefc.com/Season%202008-09/KilmarnockFC/Player%20Profiles/28ConorSammon.htm | archive-date=21 July 2011 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }} He scored his first goals for the club on 24 September 2008, scoring a brace in a 4–2 Scottish League Cup win against Aberdeen.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7629642.stm | title=Kilmarnock 4–2 Aberdeen | publisher=BBC Sport | date=24 September 2008 | access-date=1 February 2011 | archive-date=25 September 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925000306/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7629642.stm | url-status=live }} Sammon struggled in his first two seasons at the club,{{cite web | url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/11/10/i-wish-conor-sammon-was-lining-up-for-accies-and-not-killie-admits-hamilton-stopper-david-elebert-86908-22705928/ | title=I wish Conor Sammon was lining up for Accies and not Killie, admits Hamilton stopper David Elebert | publisher=The Daily Record | date=10 November 2010 | access-date=16 May 2011 | archive-date=20 September 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920022411/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/11/10/i-wish-conor-sammon-was-lining-up-for-accies-and-not-killie-admits-hamilton-stopper-david-elebert-86908-22705928/ | url-status=live }} scoring just seven times in all competitions.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kilmarnock/9362888.stm | title=Conor Sammon turns down Scunthorpe move | publisher=BBC Sport | date=18 January 2011 | access-date=1 February 2011}} In the 2010–11 season, his record was more prolific, scoring 18 goals in 27 games.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/9383408.stm | title=Wigan Athletic sign Kilmarnock striker Conor Sammon | publisher=BBC Sport | date=1 February 2011 | access-date=1 February 2011 | archive-date=13 March 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313205706/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/9383408.stm | url-status=live }} In January 2011, Sammon turned down a move to Championship club Scunthorpe United after Kilmarnock had accepted a bid of around £450,000 for him. Derby County were also interested in the player.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/9378579.stm| title=Derby County monitor Kilmarnock striker Conor Sammon| publisher=BBC Sport| date=28 January 2011| access-date=13 August 2012| archive-date=19 August 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819061054/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/9378579.stm| url-status=live}}

On 31 January 2011, Sammon signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Premier League club Wigan Athletic for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth an initial £600,000,{{cite news | url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/wigan-secure-sammon-deal-as-reid-heads-for-blackpool-2518818.html | title=Wigan secure Sammon deal as Reid heads for Blackpool | publisher=Independent.ie | date=1 February 2011 | access-date=1 February 2011 | first=Daniel | last=McDonnell | archive-date=13 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084130/https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/wigan-secure-sammon-deal-as-reid-heads-for-blackpool-26628070.html | url-status=live }} after he turned down a move to Derby County.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/derby_county/9386632.stm| title=Derby County owners remain committed – Tom Glick| publisher=BBC Sport | date=3 February 2011 | access-date=13 August 2012}} He made his debut on 5 March in a 1–0 defeat against Manchester City.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9412220.stm | title=Man City 1–0 Wigan | publisher=BBC Sport | date=5 March 2011 | access-date=5 March 2011 | archive-date=8 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208102124/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9412220.stm | url-status=live }} He scored his first goal for the club in his sixth game – the second in a 3–2 win against West Ham United on 15 May.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9484432.stm|title=Wigan 3 – 2 West Ham|author=BBC Sport|date=15 May 2011|access-date=2 September 2011|archive-date=7 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307221709/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9484432.stm|url-status=live}} His first start for the club came in the following game, a 1–0 win at Stoke City on 22 May 2011, a result which ensured Wigan's Premier League status.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/13444536.stm|title=Stoke 0 – 1 Wigan|work=BBC Sport|date=22 May 2011|access-date=13 August 2012|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084127/https://news.bbcimg.co.uk/view/1_0_10/wide/hi/sport/utility/print.css|url-status=live}}

In the 2011–12 season, Sammon started nine games and came on as a substitute eighteen times but he failed to score a single goal.{{Soccerbase season|49496|2011|name=Conor Sammon|access-date=13 August 2012}} On 26 December 2011, in a game at Manchester United Sammon was sent off for catching the face of Michael Carrick with his elbow, a decision which was judged as "harsh" by the BBC.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16240627.stm|title=Man Utd 5 – 0 Wigan|work=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2011|access-date=13 August 2012|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084103/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16240627|url-status=live}} Wigan appealed the decision, with manager Roberto Martínez saying, "Conor did nothing wrong. You need to accept punishment when you do something wrong but this is a normal phase of play."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16353923|title=Wigan Athletic win appeal over Conor Sammon red card|work=BBC Sport|date=29 December 2011|access-date=13 August 2012|archive-date=17 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217084150/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16353923?|url-status=live}} The appeal was successful and the card was rescinded.

In July 2012, Sammon was again linked with a move to Derby County.{{cite news| url =http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Potential-Derby-County-catch-Conor-Sammon-Player/story-16510800-detail/story.html| publisher =Derby Telegraph| title =Potential Derby County catch Conor Sammon: Player profile| date =10 June 2012| access-date =13 August 2012| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120713235617/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Potential-Derby-County-catch-Conor-Sammon-Player/story-16510800-detail/story.html| archive-date =13 July 2012| df =dmy-all}} A fee of £1.2 million was reported to be agreed by both clubs on 12 August 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wigans-conor-sammon-shaping-to-join-1256507|title=Con your way, son: Wigan will sell striker Sammon to Derby for £1.2million|work=Daily Mirror|date=12 August 2012|access-date=13 August 2012|archive-date=13 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813183257/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/wigans-conor-sammon-shaping-to-join-1256507|url-status=live}} After leaving, Sammon said of his time at Wigan: "I learned a lot from my time in the Premier League. I've got a lot of time for Roberto Martínez and the staff there. They looked after me well and gave me a great opportunity. I look back on my time there with good memories but also some frustration from not playing as much as I would have liked. Ultimately, I've had a great experience in the Premier League. I've taken lots of positives from my time there and I'm looking to use all of those during my time here at Derby."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19318598|title=Conor Sammon joins Derby County from Wigan Athletic|author=BBC Sport|date=20 August 2012|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-date=22 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922223529/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19318598|url-status=live}}

On 20 August 2012, Sammon joined Derby County on a four-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derby-net-sammon-323213.aspx|title=Derby Net Sammon|author=dcfc.co.uk|date=20 August 2012|access-date=20 August 2012|work=Derby County F.C.|archive-date=23 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823161237/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derby-net-sammon-323213.aspx|url-status=live}} Derby manager Nigel Clough said of Sammon, "He is going to be a key player for us and when he plays regularly, we know he can score goals. We really like how hard he works too and that means he will fit into our squad comfortably." Sammon made his Derby debut in a 2–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers on 21 August{{cite news|url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/bolton-wanderers-2-0-derby-county-326721.aspx|title=Bolton Wanderers 2–0 Derby County|author=dcfc.co.uk|date=21 August 2012|access-date=21 August 2012|work=Derby County F.C.|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213124014/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/bolton-wanderers-2-0-derby-county-326721.aspx|url-status=live}} and scored his first goal for the club in a 5–1 win against Watford on 1 September.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19378170|title=Derby 5 – 1 Watford|author=BBC Sport|author-link=BBC Sport|date=1 September 2012|access-date=1 September 2012|work=BBC News|archive-date=1 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901184854/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19378170|url-status=live}} After only scoring twice in his opening sixteen games for the club, Sammon was criticised by fans for a lack of goals, however Clough said he was happy with Sammon, stating that his work-rate was keeping him in the starting line-up ahead of Nathan Tyson who had a better strike rate.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Conor-Sammon-s-work-rate-keeps-Derby-County-s/story-17405130-detail/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505103939/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Conor-Sammon-s-work-rate-keeps-Derby-County-s/story-17405130-detail/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|title=Conor Sammon's work-rate keeps him in Derby County's front line|author=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=24 November 2012|access-date=18 December 2012}} His style of play meant that he frequently held up the ball and provided and assists for teammates. Clough particularly praised his "absolutely superb" performance in the 2–1 win against Ipswich Town on 23 October, where he provided assists for Theo Robinson and Tyson.{{cite web | title = Ipswich 1 – 2 Derby | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19958251 | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 23 October 2012 | access-date = 8 December 2013 | archive-date = 26 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121126144647/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19958251 | url-status = live }}

File:Conor Sammon 2013.jpg in 2013.]]

Sammon ended his drought with a brace in a 3–2 win against Birmingham City on 24 November and put his improvement of form down to his regaining confidence.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Conor-Sammon-s-confidence-rising-finds-feet-good/story-17540343-detail/story.html|title=Conor Sammon's confidence rising as he finds his feet in good run of starts for Derby County|author=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=10 December 2012|access-date=18 December 2012|work=Derby Telegraph|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213132739/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Conor-Sammon-s-confidence-rising-finds-feet-good/story-17540343-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 December 2012}} Early in the new year, he went on a ten-game goal drought and fans became frustrated with his performances after missing an 87th-minute penalty in Derby's 1–0 home loss to Crystal Palace on 1 March. In the next game however he scored his eighth goal of the season in a 1–1 draw at league leaders Cardiff City, and expressed frustration at his lack of goals but belief in his ability to score more despite the negative chants from the crowd.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Striker-Conor-Sammon-confident-prove-critics/story-18354084-detail/story.html#axzz2P4Z5ORrJ|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505064635/http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Striker-Conor-Sammon-confident-prove-critics/story-18354084-detail/story.html%23axzz2P4Z5ORrJ|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|title=Striker Conor Sammon is confident he can prove critics in the Derby County crowd wrong|author=thisisderbyshire.co.uk|date=8 March 2013|access-date=31 March 2013|work=Derby Telegraph}} In Derby's game at Leeds United on 1 April, Sammon had a goal ruled out for offside at 0–0 and missed a penalty on 73 minutes with Derby losing 1–0. He struck the post before Paul Coutts scored on the rebound, Derby eventually winning 2–1.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21921415|title=Leeds 1 – 2 Derby|author=BBC Sport|date=1 April 2013|access-date=2 April 2013|archive-date=1 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401182950/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21921415|url-status=live}} He ended an eleven-match goalless streak (9 for Derby, 2 for Ireland) with an 85th-minute winner against Millwall on the final day of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22320611|title=Derby 1–0 Millwall|author=BBC Sport|date=4 May 2013|access-date=8 December 2013|archive-date=6 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106123115/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22320611|url-status=live}} It was only Sammon's third league goal of 2013. However, despite the criticism from supporters, Sammon was named the 61st best player in the 2012–13 Football League Championship by the Actim Index.{{cite web| title=Rams Six of the Best| publisher=dcfc.co.uk| url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derbys-six-of-the-best-826899.aspx| date=16 May 2013| access-date=18 May 2013| archive-date=8 June 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608071717/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/article/derbys-six-of-the-best-826899.aspx| url-status=live}}

Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Derby signed Chris Martin on a permanent deal after a loan, as well as adding Johnny Russell to the squad.{{cite web| title = Russell arrival gives Rams an extra option as one of strikers with pedigree| url = http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Russell-arrival-gives-Rams-extra-option-strikers/story-19578556-detail/story.html| publisher = Derby Telegraph| date = 27 July 2013| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927174022/http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Russell-arrival-gives-Rams-extra-option-strikers/story-19578556-detail/story.html| archive-date = 27 September 2013| df = dmy-all}} These additions saw Sammon slip down the pecking order and he was restricted to substitute appearances in the opening stages of the season, though he did start three League Cup ties, scoring twice in a 5–0 win over Brentford on 27 August.{{cite web| title = Derby 5 – 0 Brentford| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23764109| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 27 August 2013| access-date = 11 February 2018| archive-date = 19 December 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131219233707/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23764109| url-status = live}} Following the sacking of Clough, Sammon was awarded his first league start of the season against Ipswich, though he was withdrawn at half-time with Derby 4–1 down in a match they eventually drew 4–4.{{cite web| title = Derby 4 – 4 Ipswich| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24246264| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 2 October 2013| access-date = 11 February 2018| archive-date = 16 October 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131016213551/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24246264| url-status = live}} New manager Steve McClaren quickly signed Tottenham Hotspur's Simon Dawkins on loan, meaning Sammon returned to substitute appearances. Between 5 October and the end of the calendar year, Sammon appeared as a second-half substitute eleven times scoring two late winners, in a 3–2 victory at Watford{{cite web| title = Watford 2 – 3 Derby| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24502727| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 19 October 2013| access-date = 11 February 2018| archive-date = 12 January 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160112163315/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24502727| url-status = live}} and a 2–1 victory against Middlesbrough on 4 December,{{cite web| title = Derby 2 – 1 Middlesbrough| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25115731| publisher = BBC Sport| date = 4 December 2013| access-date = 11 February 2018| archive-date = 8 December 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131208165202/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25115731| url-status = live}} and continued in such a role as the team reached the play-offs.

Sammon joined fellow Championship team Ipswich Town on a season-long loan on 15 August 2014, managed by former Ireland national manager Mick McCarthy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/transfer_news_ipswich_town_sign_striker_conor_sammon_on_loan_from_derby_county_1_3728844 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140815130059/http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/transfer_news_ipswich_town_sign_striker_conor_sammon_on_loan_from_derby_county_1_3728844 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 August 2014 |work=Evening Star |date=15 August 2014 |access-date=15 August 2014 |title=Ipswich Town sign striker Conor Sammon on loan from Derby County |first=Stuart |last=Watson }} He made his debut the following day, replacing David McGoldrick for the final 20 minutes of a 1–0 loss away to Reading. Sammon scored only once in 20 games for the Suffolk-based team, the crucial one in a 2–1 win over former team Wigan on 22 September, after earlier missing an opportunity when set up by McGoldrick.{{cite news|title=Wigan Athletic 1–2 Ipswich Town|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29201630|access-date=22 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 September 2014|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023111348/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29201630|url-status=live}}

On 15 January 2015, Sammon's loan at Portman Road was permitted to end by McCarthy, and he moved to another team in the same division, Rotherham United, until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Conor Sammon: Rotherham sign Derby County striker on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30832886|access-date=22 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 January 2015|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525082650/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30832886|url-status=live}} Two days later, he made his debut for the Millers, playing the entirety of a 0–2 home loss to high-flying Bournemouth. On 27 January, he scored his first goal in a 4–2 home win over struggling Bolton Wanderers, from close range after Andy Lonergan saved from Matt Derbyshire.{{cite news|title=Rotherham 4–2 Bolton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30891833|access-date=22 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 January 2015|archive-date=31 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031050842/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30891833|url-status=live}} He finished his spell at the New York Stadium with 3 goals from 15 appearances.

On 25 July 2015, Sammon joined League One club Sheffield United on loan for the whole season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33666829|title=Sheffield United sign Billy Sharp and Conor Sammon|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 July 2015|date=25 July 2015|archive-date=28 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728205639/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33666829|url-status=live}} He scored his first goals in a 3–1 win at Peterborough United on 18 August,{{cite news|title=Peterborough United 1–3 Sheffield United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33857742|access-date=22 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2015|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208144645/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33857742|url-status=live}} and totalled 6 goals from 33 games, being in and out of a team also featuring Billy Sharp, Che Adams and Jose Baxter up front.

On 15 June 2016, Sammon returned to Scotland for the first time in five and a half years, joining Heart of Midlothian on a three-year contract after negotiating an early exit from Derby.{{cite news|last1=McLaughlin|first1=Brian|title=Hearts: Derby County's Conor Sammon agrees to Tynecastle switch|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36455029|access-date=22 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 June 2016|archive-date=8 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608082316/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36455029|url-status=live}} He made his debut on 14 July in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the season's UEFA Europa League, away to Birkirkara in Malta. He started the match, having a goal disallowed for offside before later being substituted for Juanma.{{cite news|title=Birkirkara FC 0–0 Heart of Midlothian|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36761220|access-date=22 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 July 2016|archive-date=17 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717165153/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36761220|url-status=live}} A week later, he scored his first goal for the team, heading Arnaud Djoum's cross as they were eliminated in a 2–1 second-leg loss at Tynecastle.{{cite news|title=Heart of Midlothian 1–2 Birkirkara FC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36821061|access-date=22 July 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 July 2016|archive-date=22 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722080340/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36821061|url-status=live}} Sammon departed Hearts on completion of his contract.{{cite web| url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/hearts-confirm-four-players-who-are-leaving-tynecastle-1-4937657| title=Hearts confirm four players who are leaving Tynecastle| publisher=Edinburgh Evening News| work=edinburghnews.scotsman.com| date=30 May 2019| access-date=1 June 2019| archive-date=1 June 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601190011/https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/hearts-confirm-four-players-who-are-leaving-tynecastle-1-4937657| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/player-departures-1| title=Player Departures| publisher=Heart of Midlothian F.C.| work=heartsfc.co.uk| date=30 May 2019| access-date=1 June 2019| archive-date=30 May 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530123503/https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/player-departures-1| url-status=live}} In all he scored two goals in 23 appearances for Hearts.{{cite web| url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=49496&season_id=151| title=Conor Sammon Stats| publisher=Soccerbase| work=soccerbase.com| access-date=1 June 2019| archive-date=13 July 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084215/https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=49496&season_id=151| url-status=live}}

31 January 2017, Sammon returned to Kilmarnock on loan for the rest of the 2016–17 season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts-striker-conor-sammon-joins-kilmarnock-in-loan-deal-1-4353975|title=Hearts striker Conor Sammon joins Kilmarnock in loan deal|website=www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com|language=en|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202080848/http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts-striker-conor-sammon-joins-kilmarnock-in-loan-deal-1-4353975|url-status=live}} His form at Killie led his manager Lee McCulloch to back him for a return to the Irish national team.{{cite news|title=On-loan Hearts striker Conor Sammon backed for Ireland recall by Kilmarnock boss|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39323196|access-date=8 September 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 March 2017|archive-date=9 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909010008/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39323196|url-status=live}}

On 11 August 2017, Sammon was loaned to Partick Thistle for the 2017–18 season.{{cite web |url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-news/signing-news-storey-and-sammon-arrive-at-firhill/ |title=Signing news: Storey and Sammon arrive at Firhill |publisher=Partick Thistle F.C. |date=11 August 2017 |access-date=11 August 2017 |archive-date=11 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811182557/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-news/signing-news-storey-and-sammon-arrive-at-firhill/ |url-status=live }} He made his debut for the Jags later that day, playing the full 90 minutes of a 1–0 home loss to reigning champions Celtic.{{cite news|last1=English|first1=Tom|title=Partick Thistle 0–1 Celtic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40822499|access-date=21 November 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2017|archive-date=29 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129025107/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40822499|url-status=live}} Sammon scored his first Jags goal with a great finish, scoring the winner in a 3–2 win over Motherwell at Firhill.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42244873|title=Partick Thistle 3-2 Motherwell|work=BBC Sport |date=13 December 2017|access-date=11 February 2018|archive-date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122014700/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42244873|url-status=live}} Sammon Scored 10 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for Thistle, before returning to hearts in the summer.{{Cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-team/conor-sammon/|title=Conor Sammon|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=13 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084113/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-team/conor-sammon/|url-status=live}}

On 16 July 2018, Motherwell announced the signing of Sammon on a season-long loan deal.{{cite web |title=CONOR SAMMON SIGNS FOR MOTHERWELL |url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2018/07/16/conor-sammon-signs-for-motherwell/ |website=motherwellfc.co.uk/ |publisher=Motherwell F.C. |access-date=16 July 2018 |date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=16 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716194825/https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2018/07/16/conor-sammon-signs-for-motherwell/ |url-status=live }} His first goals for the club came on 24 July 2018, when he scored twice in a 2–0 win against Queen of the South in the League Cup group stage.{{cite web|title=League Cup: Motherwell 2-0 Queen of South, Stranraer 1-3 Clyde|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44947343|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 July 2018|access-date=24 July 2018|archive-date=24 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724210006/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44947343|url-status=live}}

On 4 July 2019, Sammon signed for Scottish League One club Falkirk.{{cite web|title=Conor Sammon: League One Falkirk sign striker after Hearts release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48874370|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 July 2019|access-date=4 July 2019}} He made his debut nine days later in the Scottish League Cup, scoring a last-minute equaliser in a 1–1 home draw with Livingston, though his team lost on penalties.{{cite news |last1=Carson |first1=Callum |title=Livingston start season off with penalty victory over Falkirk in Betfred Cup |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/livingston-start-season-penalty-victory-18206632 |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Daily Record |date=13 July 2019 |archive-date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830184319/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/livingston-start-season-penalty-victory-18206632 |url-status=live }}

Sammon signed for Alloa Athletic in June 2021.{{Cite web|url = https://www.alloaathletic.co.uk/2021/06/15/squad-update-ii/|title = Squad update ii|date = 15 June 2021|access-date = 4 July 2021|archive-date = 9 July 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183529/https://www.alloaathletic.co.uk/2021/06/15/squad-update-ii/|url-status = live}}

File:FIFA WC-qualification 2014 - Austria vs Ireland 2013-09-10 - Conor Sammon 11.JPG

Sammon earned his first call up to the Republic of Ireland under-21s in a qualifying match for the 2009 European Under-21 Championship against Portugal under-21s on 7 September 2007.[http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2410 U21 Men Season 2007–2008 Squad Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119030934/http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2410 |date=19 November 2007 }} 14 September 2007 He played for the under-21s on two more occasions and also represented the under-23s in a match against Slovakia.

In January 2013, Sammon was called up to the senior squad for the first time to play in a friendly against Poland on 6 February.{{cite web|title=Former Kilmarnock striker Conor Sammon wins first Ireland call-up|publisher=Scottish Daily Record|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-kilmarnock-striker-conor-sammon-1548221|date=21 January 2013|access-date=21 January 2013|archive-date=23 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123061740/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-kilmarnock-striker-conor-sammon-1548221|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/anthony-pilkington-gets-longawaited-callup-to-ireland-squad-3361274.html|title=Anthony Pilkington gets long-awaited call-up to Ireland squad|date=21 January 2013|work=Irish Independent|access-date=30 January 2013|archive-date=22 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122220527/http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/anthony-pilkington-gets-longawaited-callup-to-ireland-squad-3361274.html|url-status=live}} A day ahead of the match, Irish coach Giovanni Trapattoni named Sammon in the starting eleven{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12020/8474095/O-Shea-backs-Sammon-to-leap-to-Ireland-s-cause.|title=John O'Shea backs Conor Sammon to give Ireland an aerial threat|date=5 February 2013|work=Sky Sports|access-date=5 February 2013|archive-date=8 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208070458/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12020/8474095/O-Shea-backs-Sammon-to-leap-to-Ireland-s-cause.|url-status=live}} and he played the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 win for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21313667|title=R. of Ireland 2 – 0 Poland|author=BBC Sport|access-date=6 February 2013|archive-date=6 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206025446/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21313667|url-status=live}} which Sammon described as "a very proud moment".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21381407|title=Derby's Conor Sammon proud of Republic of Ireland start|author=BBC Sport|date=8 February 2013|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017074732/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21381407|url-status=live}}

On 22 March 2013, he made his competitive debut in a 0–0 draw away to Sweden in a World Cup qualifier, coming on as a substitute after 87 minutes.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/mar/22/sweden-ireland-world-cup-match-report|title= David Forde bolsters Ireland's chances by keeping Sweden out|date=22 March 2013|work=Guardian|access-date=26 March 2013 }} He made his first competitive start in the following game on 26 March, playing the full 90 minutes in Ireland's 2–2 draw at home to Austria and playing a part in winning the penalty and corner kick for both of Jonathan Walters goals.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/mar/26/republic-ireland-austria-world-cup-qualifier|title=Last-gasp Austria deal blow to edgy Ireland's World Cup aspirations|date=26 March 2013|work=Guardian|access-date=31 March 2013 }}

Ahead of Ireland's friendly with Spain on 12 June 2013, Trapattoni suggested that Sammon and his Derby teammate Jeff Hendrick should be playing in the Premier League: "they play Championship, and I have to ask why when I see the games in the Premier League and the way they play with us. Quality is quality."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22836598|title=Republic boss Trapattoni says Spain game is 'McCarthy chance'|author=BBC Sport|author-link=BBC Sport|date=9 June 2013|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-date=24 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024094145/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22836598|url-status=live}} Derby manager Nigel Clough was annoyed by his comments, saying that: "We don't really think it is his place to be commenting on things like that... We can take it as a backhanded compliment, in some ways."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23002807|title=Derby County: Trapattoni comments irritate Nigel Clough|author=BBC Sport|date=21 June 2013|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-date=28 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028150658/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23002807|url-status=live}}

{{updated|17 September 2019}}{{Soccerway|conor-sammon/7210|accessdate=18 October 2017}}

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{{updated|10 September 2013.}}

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{{2010–11 PFA Scotland SPL Team of the Year}}

{{Alloa Athletic F.C. squad}}

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Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:Association footballers from County Dublin

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