Parkin started his career at Chelsea as a trainee. For first team experience he was loaned out.
Loan spells
Parkin joined Millwall on loan during the 2000–01 season. He scored four goals in seven appearances for the Lions. He then joined Wycombe on loan later in the 2000–01 season. At Wycombe, Parkin scored perhaps one of the most important goals in their history (alongside Roy Essandoh winner versus Leicester City F.C. when he headed in the winner against Wolverhampton during Wycombe's run to the semi finals of the FA Cup. However his loan had finished and he returned to Chelsea denying him a chance to play in the quarter finals v Leicester City F.C. or semi final v Liverpool He scored two other goals for Wycombe, including one in the Football League Trophy against Leyton Orient. Parkin also played on loan for Oldham Athletic during the 2000–01 season. He scored three goals in seven appearances for the Latics. Parkin joined Northampton Town on loan during the 2001–02 season. He scored five goals in 46 appearances for The Cobblers.
Swindon Town
In August 2002, Parkin signed for Swindon Town, then in the Second Division. In his three seasons at the County Ground he quickly became one of the most feared goalscorers in the division after scoring a hat trick on his debut at home to Barnsley in a 3–1 victory he went on to score 67 goals in 124 league games for The Robins. He was affectionately nicknamed 'Super Sammy Parkin' by Swindon fans during his time at the club.
Ipswich Town
In the summer of 2005, Parkin was signed by Ipswich Town on a four-year deal for £550,000. Several other clubs, notably Reading, Brighton, Norwich City, QPR and Watford had also been interested in signing him. He made his Ipswich debut against Cardiff City and scored on his second game against QPR. Parkin was Town's top scorer with five goals in 19 games before on 22 November he incurred his first serious injury when he broke his ankle. He did not play for the first team again until the last day of April. He played two games for Ipswich in August 2006–07 before changing clubs again.
Luton Town
On 25 August 2006, Parkin was transferred to Luton Town for a fee of £340,000. He played ten games up to 17 October before serious injury struck a second time ruling out for the rest of the season. Luton were relegated to League One. In his comeback Parkin was badly injured in his second game in August in the 2007–08 season but scored on his return to the team in late January. Luton, now in administration, suffered a second successive relegation with Parkin scoring a total of five goals in 19 league games. Parkin returned fully recovered in the 2008–09 season, scoring three goals in the first four league games. However, as a result of financial restructuring at Luton and Parkin being one of the club's highest earners, any offers from other clubs were to be considered.
Leyton Orient
On 23 October 2008, Parkin joined League One side Leyton Orient on a three-month loan deal under O's manager Martin Ling. Following the resignation of Ling, Parkin's loan was terminated, and he returned to Luton on 19 January 2009 without scoring in his time at Brisbane Road. Parkin played in 18 further Luton games during the season, including as a substitute in Luton's Football League Trophy final success at Wembley Stadium, scoring one goal in that time. Luton were relegated for the third successive season, dropping out of the Football League, and on 27 May 2009, Parkin was released by Luton after coming to the end of his contract.
Walsall
On 16 July 2009, Parkin signed a one-year contract with Walsall in League One. He scored three goals in 27 appearances for The Saddlers.
St Johnstone
On 15 July 2010 Parkin signed for Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone on a two-year contract. Parkin scored five goals for St Johnstone before suffered a broken ankle in February 2011. He only made two substitute appearances for Saints in the 2011–12 season before he was released from his contract by mutual consent in January 2012.
Queen of the South
On 24 January 2012 Parkin signed for Dumfries club Queen of the South until the end of the 2011–12 season. Parkin scored two goals on his debut in a 2–1 victory over Greenock Morton.
St Mirren
Parkin signed a one-year deal with St Mirren on 7 June 2012. Parkin scored his first goal for the club against Dundee on 13 August 2012.
Exeter City
On 9 July 2013, Parkin completed a move to Exeter City on a free transfer. Parkin scored on his debut in a 2–1 win against Bristol Rovers on 3 August 2013. Parkin was released by the club on 8 May 2014 after scoring three goals in 29 appearances at St James Park.
International career
Parkin was eligible to play for Scotland through his Scottish mother. He made his Scotland debut in a Scotland Future international against Austria. He was injured early in the match and was substituted.
Media career
Sam Parkin is one of 3 former professional footballers, who host a podcast called Hanging Up The Boots . The podcast features a special guest every episode. Parkin, also, is a presenter for BBC Wiltshire. Through BBC Wiltshire, Parkin is regularly involved with his former club, Swindon Town Football Club. Parkin is also involved with his first club, Chelsea, through Chelsea TV, who he is a pundit and co-commentator for.
