Striker Conor Sammon has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable and enduring two decades in the game. We may have enjoyed the twilight of his playing days, but looking back at the sheer scale of his 20-year journey reminds us of the true depth of his legacy.

The 39-year-old Irish forward hangs up his boots after making over 700 professional appearances, scoring more than 150 goals, and representing 13 different clubs across the Premier League, EFL, League of Ireland, and the Scottish Professional Football League.

Sammon’s journey began in his native Ireland with UCD and Derry City, where his physical presence and tireless work ethic quickly caught the eye of Kilmarnock. In Ayrshire in the 2010 -11 season he would fire 18 goals in just over 27 games to earn a move to the English Premier League with Wigan Athletic in 2011.

His career south of the border also featured prominent spells with Derby County – where he made 90 appearances – as well as Ipswich Town, Rotherham United, and Sheffield United. In 2013, he earned the ultimate honor: 9 senior international caps for the Republic of Ireland, featuring in crucial World Cup qualifiers under Giovanni Trapattoni.

Returning to Scotland, Conor lead the line for Hearts, Partick Thistle, Motherwell, and Falkirk.

In 2021, Conor joined us at Alloa Athletic, where he would go on to spend the final five seasons of his playing career. Becoming an absolute fan favourite at the Recreation Park, Conor made over 200 appearances for the Wasps, scoring 48 goals.

Everyone at Alloa Athletic would like to congratulate Conor on a magnificent career and wish him well in his future endeavours off the pitch.