Rhys Gordon Bennett (born 1 September 1991) is an English professional association football, footballer who currently plays for EFL League Two side Rochdale A.F.C., Rochdale. He primarily plays as a central defender, although he has also been deployed in defensive midfield, and as a full-back which he is predominantly most suited towards in his normal style of play but atm he is the best person to give Rochdale a chance of staying up with a good never say die attitude most needed leading from the front

Club career

Bolton Wanderers

Bennett started his professional career at Bolton Wanderers F.C., Bolton Wanderers, regularly playing in the reserve side and wearing the captain's armband on occasions. Having not made an appearance for the first team he was sent out on loan to Falkirk in July 2011 by manager Owen Coyle.

Falkirk (loan)

On 6 July 2011, it was announced that Falkirk F.C., Falkirk had signed Bennett on a six-month loan, which was extended until the end of the season on 9 January 2012. Bennett made his debut on 23 July 2011, scoring a 26th-minute opener against Brechin City F.C., Brechin City in the 1st round of the Scottish Challenge Cup. He made his league debut on 6 August 2011 in a 1–0 loss against Raith Rovers F.C., Raith Rovers. Bennett was an unused substitute when Falkirk defeated Hamilton Academical F.C., Hamilton Academical 1-0 in the 2012 Scottish Challenge Cup Final, 2012 Scottish Challenge Cup final.

Rochdale

On 11 June 2012, Rochdale A.F.C., Rochdale announced that Bennett had signed a one-year contract at the club effective on 1 July 2012. He made his debut on 4 September in a 2–2 draw against Fleetwood Town F.C., Fleetwood Town in the Football League Trophy. The game went to a penalty shoot-out which Rochdale won 4–2 and progressed to the second round. He made his league debut on 15 September in a 2–1 win away to AFC Wimbledon. He scored his first goal for the club on 1 December, in a 3–2 defeat to York City F.C., York City.

Mansfield Town

Bennett joined Mansfield Town F.C., Mansfield Town on a free transfer in June 2016. He was released by Mansfield at the end of the 2017–18 season.

Peterborough United

Bennett joined Peterborough United F.C., Peterborough United on a free transfer in May 2018. He followed in the footsteps of former Mansfield Town F.C., Mansfield Town manager Steve Evans (footballer, born 1962), Steve Evans in the same season.

Carlisle United

On 12 November 2020, Bennett joined Carlisle United F.C., Carlisle United on a short-term deal until January 2021. On 5 January 2021, Bennett signed an extended deal to remain at the club until the end of the 2020–21 season. Bennett rejected a new offer from the Cumbria, Cumbrian club at the end of the season.

Gillingham

Bennett signed for EFL League One side Gillingham F.C., Gillingham on 23 July 2021. He made his debut for the Gills on the opening day of the 2021–22 season in a 1–1 home draw to Lincoln City F.C., Lincoln City on 7 August 2021.

Morecambe

Having reached a mutual agreement with Gillingham to terminate his contract, Bennett signed for fellow EFL League One side Morecambe F.C., Morecambe on 28 January 2022. He made his league debut for the Lancashire side the next day, appearing as a 28th minute substitute in a 2–2 away draw to Accrington Stanley F.C., Accrington Stanley. Bennett was released by the club at the end of the season.

Rochdale

On 28 January 2023, Bennett returned to Rochdale A.F.C., Rochdale signing a contract till the end of the 2022-2023 season.

Career statistics

Honours

Falkirk *Scottish Challenge Cup: 2011–12 Scottish Challenge Cup, 2011–12

References

External links

*
Rhys Bennett profile
Rochdale AFC.co.uk {{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Rhys 1991 births Living people People from Ashton-in-Makerfield English footballers Men's association football defenders Bolton Wanderers F.C. players Falkirk F.C. players Rochdale A.F.C. players Mansfield Town F.C. players Peterborough United F.C. players Carlisle United F.C. players Gillingham F.C. players Scottish Football League players English Football League players