Sam Vokes finished his professional footballing career in Gillingham's 1-0 win against Shrewsbury Town on the final day of the 2025/26 season, bowing out on 751 total appearances.
The forward started the final game of his career before being substituted for Seb Palmer-Houlden, where he was given a guard of honour by his teammates. That was a moment that the former Wales international will hold onto dearly, and he also thanked his family for their incredible support throughout his career.
Vokes discussed his final season in football, acknowledging that it has been a difficult campaign. However, he showed appreciation to Gareth Ainsworth for giving him the opportunity to play one last season, and was pleased to round his career off with a victory.
On his retirement...
It has been an interesting week. A strange week in football. The Gaffer has been brilliant for me because I was probably thinking of announcing it after the season, letting the season go and announce it afterwards, but I spoke to the Gaffer two or three weeks ago, and Dobbo [Richard Dobson], and he said to do it the week before and have your moment.
Thank you all to everyone at Gillingham. Today was a lovely moment, and my family sat at the back [in the press conference]; it was a lovely moment for them as well. To receive a guard of honour from the players as well is something that I never dreamed of and never thought that it would happen. It was a lovely touch, and nice to round it off with three points.
I mentioned it in my statement when I put it out last week. I think that my Mum and Dad have been there from day one, running me up and down the country, coming to all the games, all the grounds and everything over 20 years. It's a shift in lifestyle as well; my old man has got to find something to do on a Saturday afternoon! My wife and the girls, who are obviously here today. It was a lovely touch, and being on this journey in football, I think that it's not just myself that sacrifices a lot. It is my family as well.
On his final season in football...
For me, it has been a joy being a part of this squad this year. I think that it has had its highs and lows; we all know that. It has been a frustrating season, but for me, being a part of another squad, getting to know another group of teammates, and working with the Gaffer again, it has been great.
It would have been nice to score, but it was a lovely moment today, and I am glad that we got the win to end the season right.
Reflecting on his career and recently hitting milestones...
It is funny when you look back because it has gone in a flash, really. 20 years sounds like a long time, but it has flown by. I still remember my debut like it was yesterday, but I have been fortunate enough, and I hit a milestone last week of 750 games. To be a part of that in football, when you look back, is amazing to reflect on. I am proud of what I have achieved, and I feel like I have left it in a good place.
[On completing the 92 club with his Dad] - We both ticked off everywhere. Barnet was our last one last week, so it's all of the 92.
It has been nice and has been a good journey, all four divisions. It is something that I am sure that I will look back on and be proud of.
