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Julian Bennett (footballer)

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Julian Bennett
Personal information
Full name Julian Llewelyn Bennett
Date of birth (1984-12-17) 17 December 1984 (age 40)
Place of birth Nottingham, England
Position(s) Left back
Youth career
1993–1996 Nottingham Forest
1998–1999 Scunthorpe United
1999–2004 Walsall
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2006 Walsall 51 (3)
2006–2011 Nottingham Forest 95 (8)
2010–2011 → Crystal Palace (loan) 13 (1)
2011–2013 Sheffield Wednesday 21 (2)
2012 → Shrewsbury Town (loan) 4 (0)
2013–2014 Southend United 0 (0)
Total 184 (14)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Julian Llewelyn Bennett (born 17 December 1984) is an English retired footballer, who played as a defender, having spent his career at Walsall, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday before finishing his career at Southend United.

Career

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Youth and Walsall

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Bennett was a youth player at Nottingham Forest's Centre of Excellence but left when he was 14 years old to play for local teams in the Nottingham area.[1] However, he soon joined Walsall as a YTS player[1] He progressed through the youth and reserve sides at Walsall and made his Walsall debut on 28 February 2004, where he came on as a substitute for Matt Carbon in the 70th minute, in a 1–0 loss against Wigan Athletic.,[2] which turns out to be only appearance of the 2003–04 season.

After signing his first professional contract with the club,[3] Bennett eventually became a regular first-team player there in the 2004–05 season. During the 2004–05 season, he scored two goals during the season against Colchester United[4] and Wrexham.[5] The 2005–06 season saw Bennett managed to remain in the first team in the defence until he received a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Dani Rodrigues, in a 0–0 draw against AFC Bournemouth.[6] Bennett's disciplinary issues was criticised by then Manager Paul Merson.[7] After serving a three match suspension,[8] Bennett scored his first goal of the season one week later on 8 October 2005, in a 1–1 draw against Milton Keynes Dons.[9]

He made a total of over 50 appearances for Walsall, playing at centre-back and left-back[10]

Nottingham Forest

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On 10 January 2006, Bennett signed for his home town club of Nottingham Forest in a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[11][12] He said, "Lots of other teams, including ones in the Championship, were showing interest in me, but this is my home-town club and it's a dream come true".[13]

Four days later on 14 January 2006, Bennett made his Nottingham Forest debut, where he played 90 minutes, in a 3–0 win over Oldham Athletic.[14] However, in the next game on 17 January 2006, Bennett received a red card after a second bookable offence in a 1–1 draw against Brentford.[15] After a serving three match suspension, Bennett scored his first Nottingham Forest goal on his return when he scored the last minutes in a 2–2 draw against Blackpool on 4 February 2006[16] and scored again in the last game of the season, in a 1–1 draw against Bradford City.[17]

Bennett started the 2006–07 season well when he scored in the opening game of the season, in a 1–0 win over Bradford City.[18] Bennett then scored his second goal of the season, which turns out to be the only goal of the game, in a 1–0 win over Northampton Town on 10 February 2007.[19] Manager Colin Calderwood did not play Bennett regularly earlier in the 2006–07 season, however he eventually established himself as Forest's first-choice left full-back.

In the 2007–08 season, the signing of the experienced Matt Lockwood put Bennett's chances to maintain his place under pressure. However, injury to Lockwood gave him an opportunity. He scored his first goal of the season in Forest's 2–1 defeat at Luton Town.[20] He received praise from Calderwood[21] after assisting both of Forest's goals in a 2–0 win against Tranmere Rovers, who admitted it would be difficult to take him out of the team despite Lockwood nearing a return. He then had an injury in late November 2007 that kept him sidelined him until the new year.[22][23] On 14 January 2008, Bennett signed a new 2+1⁄2-year contract, committing him to the club until the summer of 2010[24] On return to fitness, he managed to dislodge Matt Lockwood from the starting line-up and continued in the same vein of form. He made a total of 33 league starts in the 2007–08 season, scoring 4 goals. He netted two goals in two games in February 2008, against Millwall[25] and Leeds United,[26] and made a goal-line clearance at Elland Road. He also scored in the final game of the season, the first goal in Forest's 3–2 victory over Yeovil Town at the City Ground, which saw Forest finish second in League One in a dramatic last day of the season, thereby gaining promotion to the Championship.[27] Bennett was voted Forest's Player of the Year for the promotion 2007–08 season.[28] 'Jules' had helped the team keep 24 clean sheets that season, a league record. His performances were also recognised when he was named in the PFA's League One team of the year along with Forest teammate Kris Commons.[29] However, having established himself as first choice left-back at Forest and become a fan favourite – owing to his consistent form, local credentials and no-nonsense playing style – the rest of his career at the City Ground was ravaged by injury.

The 2008–09 season was one to forget for Bennett. Bennett appeared in the first four matches at the start of the season until he suffered a calf injury[30] and after being sidelined for two matches, Bennett made his first team return on 20 September 2008, in a 0–0 draw against Charlton Athletic.[31] His return was short-lived when on 21 October 2008 he injured his collarbone which kept him out of action for six weeks.[32] Then, soon after his return, in December 2008 he sustained a serious knee injury (cruciate and cartilage ligaments) in the Boxing Day 4–2 home defeat to Doncaster Rovers.[33] This ruled him out for the rest of the season.[34] While recovering from a major knee operation, Bennett was nominated for the PFA Player in the Community, but lost out to Graeme Murty.[35]

Recovering from a major knee operation, Bennett commenced rehab in summer 2009[36] and full training in January 2010.[37] After an extensive 14-month injury lay-off, he returned in a behind-closed-doors friendly in March 2010 at Forest's training ground in which he played 45 minutes.[38] Shortly afterwards Bennett signed a contract extension keeping him at Forest until summer 2011.[39] He did not play for the Forest first team for the entirety of the 2009–10 season, but he did make a minor public comeback at the final home match when he warmed up on the pitch with his teammates before the game.

In July 2010 Bennett played in three pre-season friendly fixtures. However, on 5 August Forest signed left-back Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea on loan for six months;[40] and Bennett was informed by the club that he would be sent out on loan in order to regain his fitness.[41] It was announced on 6 August 2010 that Bennett was allowed go on loan to Crystal Palace,[42] thus giving him the chance to demonstrate his match fitness and form through the improved opportunity of regular first team action. He returned to Forest on 5 January 2011 but was not allowed to go out on loan again due to the loss of loanee Ryan Bertrand .[43] Nevertheless, during the rest of the season Bennett failed to achieve a start for Forest: his opportunities being severely reduced partly due to the signing by Forest of the experienced Paul Konchesky on 31 January 2011 in a 93-day emergency loan deal,[44] but also because of manager Billy Davies' preference for other players as cover at left-back. Bennett made three appearances as substitute for Forest in the latter part of the 2010–11 season.

Bennett became a free agent in July 2011. He made a total of over 100 appearances for Forest. His final starting appearance in a competitive match for the club had transpired to be the one in which he had seriously injured his knee on 26 December 2008. Although Forest indicated they were prepared to offer Bennett a one-year contract should he be unable to find another club (in recognition of the community work he had undertaken during his time recovering from injury),[45] he subsequently signed for League One side Sheffield Wednesday.

Crystal Palace (loan)

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At the beginning of the 2010–11 season Bennett joined Crystal Palace on loan in a six-month deal.[46][47] He made 14 appearances for Palace, scoring one goal which came in a 2–1 win over Norwich City on 19 October 2010.[48] His loan spell ended in January 2011.[43]

Sheffield Wednesday

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On 5 July 2011, Bennett signed a two-year contract with League One club Sheffield Wednesday.[49][50][51] This saw him reunited with Wednesday manager Gary Megson who had signed him for Nottingham Forest five years previously. The reunion was short lived however, as Megson was sacked less than 8 months later.

Bennett made his Sheffield Wednesday debut, in the opening game of the season, where he set up a goal for Rob Jones to score a header, in a 2–0 win over Rochdale.[52] After the match, Bennett was praised by Megson for playing a role to assisting Rob Jones' goal.[53] Two weeks later on 20 August 2011, Bennett scored his first Sheffield Wednesday goal, in a 2–1 win over Notts County.[54] Seven days later on 27 August 2011, Bennett set up a second goal for Ben Marshall, in a 3–2 win over Scunthorpe United.[55] After suffering a hamstring injury,[56] Bennett scored two weeks after his return, in a 2–2 draw against Yeovil Town][57] in which, Bennett found himself competing in the left–back position with Mark Reynolds and Réda Johnson.[58] However, during the season, Bennett suffered a concussion[59] and another injury that kept him out for the remainder of the season.[60] Despite this, Bennett finished the season, making twenty-one appearances and scoring once.

Since the departure of former manager Gary Megson, Bennett struggled to make an appearance in the first team.[61] Ahead of the 2012–13 season, Bennett was told by Manager Dave Jones.[62] In October 2012, an out of favour Bennett was loaned out to League One side Shrewsbury Town.[63] He made his Shrews debut against Bournemouth on 6 November 2012, which saw Shrewsbury Town lose 2– 1.[64] After making four appearances, it was announced on 29 November 2012, his loan was cut short due to a back injury, and he returned to his parent club.[65] Following this, Bennett never played again and at the end of the 2012–13 season, he was not offered a new deal as manager Dave Jones began his clear-out and his contract was about to expire.[66]

Southend United

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Bennett joined Southend United on 1 August 2013, whilst Southend United were under a transfer embargo due to the unpaid wages of some players and staff at the club.[67]

Bennett made his debut for Southend United against Yeovil Town in the League Cup, where he made his first starts in years. However, during the match, Bennett suffered a serious knee injury and was side-lined for six months.[68] With just one appearance, Bennett never played for Southend United again and in February, Bennett suffered another injury setback when he injured cruciate ligament.[69] With his contract expiring at the end of the 2013–14 season, Bennett was considering his future at the club when they offered him a pay as you play deal.[70] However, Manager Phil Brown said Bennett won't be staying at the club.[71]

After a year out of football, Bennett announced his retirement from football on 29 June 2015, having failed to recover from his knee injury.[72] Weeks after announcing his retirement, Bennett went on trial at Boston United to fill in the left–back spot[73] With Bennett's move to Boston United appear to happen,[74] the move, however, was broken down.[75]

Personal life

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While growing up in Nottingham, England, Bennett attended Welbeck Primary School.[76]

Honours

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Individual

References

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  1. ^ a b "Julian Bennett About Me". Julian Bennettt Official Website. Archived from the original on 20 May 2009. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  2. ^ "Wigan Athletic 1 – 0 Walsall". BBC Sport. 28 February 2004. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  3. ^ "Walsall get Taylor boost". BBC Sport. 2 September 2004. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  4. ^ "Walsall 2 – 1 Colchester United". BBC Sport. 9 October 2004. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  5. ^ "Wrexham 1 – 1 Walsall". BBC Sport. 16 October 2004. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  6. ^ "AFC Bournemouth 0 – 0 Walsall". BBC Sport. 9 September 2005. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  7. ^ "Merson furious with Bennett ban". BBC Sport. 20 December 2004. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  8. ^ "Paul Merson focus on mind games". Birmingham Mail. 21 September 2005. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  9. ^ "Hero Bennett is one in a million". Birmingham Mail. 10 October 2005. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  10. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Forest Strike Deal With Walsall For Bennett". Nottingham Forest F.C. 10 January 2006. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  11. ^ "Bennett re-enters Forest". Sky Sports. 10 January 2006. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  12. ^ "Bennett Deal Completed". Nottingham Forest F.C. 10 January 2006. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  13. ^ "Forest sign Bennett from Walsall". BBC News. 10 January 2006.
  14. ^ "Nottingham Forest 3 – 0 Oldham Athletic". BBC Sport. 14 January 2006. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  15. ^ "Brentford 1 – 1 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 17 January 2006. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  16. ^ "Blackpool 2 – 2 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 4 February 2006. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  17. ^ "Bradford City 1 – 1 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 6 May 2006. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  18. ^ "Nottingham Forest 1 – 0 Bradford City". BBC Sport. 5 August 2006. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  19. ^ "Nottingham Forest 1 – 0 Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 10 February 2007. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  20. ^ "Luton Town 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 28 October 2007. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  21. ^ "Bennett was the key – Calderwood". BBC News. 4 November 2007.
  22. ^ "Bennett facing further month out". BBC News. 6 December 2007.
  23. ^ "Bennett caps comeback with a goal". BBC News. 8 January 2008.
  24. ^ "Forest extend Bennett deal". Sky Sports. 14 January 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  25. ^ "Nottingham Forest 2–0 Millwall". BBC Sport. 9 February 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  26. ^ "Leeds United 1–1 Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 12 February 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  27. ^ "Nottingham Forest 3–2 Yeovil Town". BBC Sport. 5 May 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  28. ^ "'Jules' Tops Poll". Nottingham Forest F.C. 4 May 2008. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  29. ^ "Ronaldo named player of the year". BBC News. 27 April 2008.
  30. ^ "Bennett injury worry for Forest but Cole on comeback trail". Nottingham Post. 10 September 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  31. ^ "Nottingham Forest 0 – 0 Charlton Athletic". BBC Sport. 28 September 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  32. ^ "Bennett makes reserves comeback". BBC News. 3 December 2008.
  33. ^ "Match Report: Nottingham Forest 2 – 4 Doncaster Rovers". Nottingham Post. 26 December 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  34. ^ "Forest set to lose Bennett for the season". Nottingham Post. 29 December 2008. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  35. ^ "Forest defender Bennett shortlisted for top award". Nottingham Post. 12 February 2009. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  36. ^ "Bennett can't wait to get back into action with Reds". Nottingham Post. 12 September 2009.
  37. ^ "Forest defender Bennett close to a return, but future remains in balance". Nottingham Post. 5 January 2010.
  38. ^ "Forest defender Bennett returns". BBC News. 2 March 2010.
  39. ^ "Bennett signs new Forest contract". BBC News. 4 March 2010.
  40. ^ "Forest bring in Chelsea left-back". BBC News. 5 August 2010.
  41. ^ "Nottingham Forest defender Bennett set for loan deal next season to regain fitness". Nottingham Post. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  42. ^ "Eagle Jules". Nottingham Forest F.C. 6 August 2010. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  43. ^ a b "Loan Rangers Return". Nottingham Forest F.C. 5 January 2011. Archived from the original on 9 January 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  44. ^ "Reds Land Konchesky". Nottingham Forest F.C. 31 January 2011. Archived from the original on 3 February 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  45. ^ "Standing By Julian". Nottingham Forest F.C. 14 June 2011. Archived from the original on 3 September 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  46. ^ "Palace snap up Forest's Bennett". BBC News. 6 August 2010.
  47. ^ "Julian Bennett profile". Crystal Palace F.C. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  48. ^ "Norwich City 1–2 Crystal Palace". BBC. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
  49. ^ "Jules Joins Owls". Nottingham Forest F.C. 5 July 2011. Archived from the original on 5 September 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  50. ^ "Bennett completes Wednesday move". BBC News. 5 July 2011.
  51. ^ "Bennett bolsters Owls defence". Sheffield Wednesday. 5 July 2011. Archived from the original on 3 September 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  52. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday 2 – 0 Rochdale". BBC Sport. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  53. ^ "Gary Megson praises Julian Bennett throw-ins". BBC Sport. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  54. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday 2 – 1 Notts County". BBC Sport. 20 August 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  55. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday 3 – 2 Scunthorpe United". BBC Sport. 27 August 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  56. ^ "Owls stars in bid for comebacks". The Star. 8 September 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  57. ^ "Yeovil Town 2 – 2 Scunthorpe United". BBC Sport. 20 September 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  58. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday duo in frame for cup return". The Star. 8 November 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  59. ^ "Megson sticks by shock Madine call". The Star. 17 January 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  60. ^ "SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: Beevers hoping for steel double". The Star. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  61. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday: Bennett bye bye as cull begins". The Star. 15 May 2013.
  62. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday: No Owls future for duo". The Star. 21 July 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  63. ^ "SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY: Bennett joins Shrews on loan". The Star. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  64. ^ "AFC Bournemouth 2 – 1 Shrewsbury Town". BBC Sport. 6 November 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  65. ^ "Shrewsbury Town end Lee Collins and Julian Bennett loan deals". BBC Sport. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  66. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday offer new deals to six players". BBC Sport. 16 May 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  67. ^ "Southend sign Conor Clifford, Julian Bennett and Craig Reid". BBC Sport. 1 August 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  68. ^ "Big Bennett blow for Shrimpers". Sky Sports. 8 August 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  69. ^ "Southend United's Julian Bennett suffers fresh injury setback". Echo News. 20 February 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  70. ^ "Julian Bennett is contemplating his future at Southend United". Echo News. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  71. ^ "Southend United manager Phil Brown: Julian Bennett unlikely to stay with us". Oxford Mail. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  72. ^ "Julian Bennett: Former Southend United defender retires with injury". BBC Sport. 29 June 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  73. ^ "Ex Nottingham Forest defender Julian Bennett could drop into non-league with Boston United". Boston Target. 11 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  74. ^ "Boston United close to signing Julian Bennett and Matt Urwin". Boston Target. 22 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  75. ^ "Boston United boss casts doubt on hopes of signing Matt Urwin and Julian Bennett". Boston Target. 25 July 2015. Archived from the original on 28 July 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  76. ^ "Forest players adopt local primary . Now works in the Nottingham Emmanuel school schools". Nottingham Post. 18 December 2009. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  77. ^ "Ronaldo named player of the year". BBC Sport. 27 April 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
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