Sam Kitchen born June 11, 1967
Born in Germany where his father was serving in the UK’s Forces, Sam, who was actually christened David Edward, was brought up in Yorkshire and spotted by Leyton Orient while playing for Frickley Athletic.
After 18 months in London he moved back north to join Rovers in February 1994, making his debut in a 1-2 defeat at Torquay United that same month. With Ian Measham suffering a serious injury in that game, Sam held on to the right-back position for the rest of the season.
However, in 1994-95 he was displaced by Ryan Kirby and was mainly used as central defensive cover. He left Rovers at the end of the season and joined Gateshead, playing there until 2002. Sam’s son Ben is a footballer, and having been in the Academy at Newcastle United, he spent last season at Whitby Town.
Sam’s record for Rovers was 24 appearances and one goal.