Born in Backworth, Northumberland, he played for the majority of his career at Sheffield United, making nearly 400 appearances for the Blades.
Sampy played his early football in his native Tyneside in the north-east of England, turning out for Choppington, South Shields and Chopwell Colliery before being spotted by Sheffield United.
[1] Turning professional and signing for the Blades in November 1920, Sampy was initially employed as an inside right, scoring on his debut against Blackburn Rovers in February 1921.
[1] After 14 seasons and 383 appearances for Sheffield United, Sampy was transferred to nearby rivals Barnsley in the summer of 1934, taking the role of player-coach.
[1] Born in Backworth, Tyne and Wear, Thomas Sampy was the elder brother of Bill who also represented Sheffield United.