After appearing in Burnley’s first-team Les Samuels joined Exeter City in 1953 and went on to play a dozen league games. He later played for Wrexham, Crewe, Bradford City and Stockport County. 

After being on the books as an amateur with Tottenham Hotspur and turning down a professional contract, Les signed for Burnley in December 1949 and went on to play in two league matches. 

Les subsequently moved to Exeter City in July 1953 and made his debut against Leyton Orient at St James’ Park on the opening day. Playing in the first seven games of the season, he submitted a transfer request in October 1953 (on the grounds his family were having problems settling in Exeter) but returned to the side for a run of five games which started with him scoring in the 4-1 win over Millwall at the start of November.

Not figuring after December 1953, Les joined Wrexham in March 1954 where he scored 11 goals in 26 league starts ahead of a move to Crewe Alexandra in November 1954 (40 league appearances; 14 goals) before a successful spell at Bradford City for whom he made 84 league appearances and scored on 38 occasions. Finishing his professional career with Stockport County, Les played for Pwllheli before becoming manager of Bacup Borough in the summer of 1962. 

He died in 1998.