:Joe Bennett (footballer)
{{short description|English footballer (born 1990)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Joe Bennett
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|3|28|df=y}}{{Cite book | editor-first = Barry J. | editor-last = Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10 |year=2009 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |isbn=978-1-84596-474-0 |page=42}}
| birth_place = Rochdale, England
| height = {{convert|1.83|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/3672/Joe-Bennett/overview |title=Joe Bennett: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=30 October 2012}}
| position = Left back
| currentclub = Oxford United
| clubnumber = 12
| youthyears1 = 2000–2001
| youthclubs1 = Northallerton Town
| youthyears2 = 2001–2008
| youthclubs2 = Middlesbrough
| years1 = 2008–2012
| clubs1 = Middlesbrough
| caps1 = 85
| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2012–2016
| clubs2 = Aston Villa
| caps2 = 30
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2014–2015
| clubs3 = → Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)
| caps3 = 41
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2015–2016
| clubs4 = → AFC Bournemouth (loan)
| caps4 = 0
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2016
| clubs5 = → Sheffield Wednesday (loan)
| caps5 = 3
| goals5 = 0|
| years6 = 2016–2021
| clubs6 = Cardiff City
| caps6 = 164
| goals6 = 5
| years7 = 2021–2023
| clubs7 = Wigan Athletic
| caps7 = 26
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2023–
| clubs8 = Oxford United
| caps8 = 28
| goals8 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2009
| nationalteam1 = England U19
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2009
| nationalteam2 = England U20
| nationalcaps2 = 1
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2011
| nationalteam3 = England U21
| nationalcaps3 = 3
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| club-update = 4 May 2025 (UTC)
}}
Joseph Bennett (born 28 March 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for {{English football updater|OxfordUn}} club Oxford United.
Bennett signed his first professional contract with Middlesbrough prior to the 2008–09 season and made his professional debut in May 2009 in the club's final game of the season. He went on to make more than 90 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough before joining Aston Villa on 29 August 2012 for an undisclosed fee. After one season as a regular in the first team, he struggled to establish himself in the side and, after loan spells with Brighton & Hove Albion, AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield Wednesday, he was sold to Cardiff City in 2016.
With Cardiff, he gained promotion to the Premier League after finishing as runners-up in the Championship during the 2017–18 season. At international level, he has been capped at U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels for England.
Early life
Bennett was born in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, but moved to the northeast, settling in the village of Swainby in North Yorkshire,{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/9307655.bennett-no-longer-the-outsider-looking-in-at-boro/ |title=Bennett no longer the outsider looking in at Boro |newspaper=The Northern Echo |last=Wilson |first=Scott |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=16 January 2019}} when he was 10 following his parents' separation.{{cite news |title=Boro Academy star Joe Bennett looks to the future |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2008/12/06/boro-academy-star-joe-bennett-looks-to-the-future-84229-22419168/ |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=6 December 2008}}{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-citys-joe-bennett-i-16031247 |title=Cardiff City's Joe Bennett: 'I haven't grieved for my dad yet, I've never gone through anything like this' |work=WalesOnline |publisher=Media Wales |last=Booth |first=Dominic |date=27 March 2019 |access-date=22 April 2019}} He has a sister named Ali and attended Stokesley Secondary School.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/joe-bennetts-sister-bags-boro-3672071 |title=Joe Bennett's sister bags Boro kit for African kids |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=16 January 2019}} His father Adrian played football at amateur level and encouraged him to play football at a young age and Bennett's idol was Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/ten-things-joe-bennett-20091014_70638_1825337 |title=Ten Things: Joe Bennett |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |access-date=25 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110044149/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/ten-things-joe-bennett-20091014_70638_1825337 |archive-date=10 January 2010 }} As well as football, Bennett also played netball, after being introduced to the sport by his mother, who was a coach, golf and tennis.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/8863803.boros-bennett-looking-to-hit-the-top/ |title=Boro's Bennett looking to hit the top |work=The Northern Echo |last=Fraser |first=Paul |date=18 February 2011 |access-date=16 January 2019}}
Club career
=Middlesbrough=
Bennett began playing football for Northallerton Town at youth level, scoring four times in his first match. One of the coaches at the club, Andy Ramsbotham, also worked for Middlesbrough as a scout and recommended Bennett for a trial with the club, resulting in him joining Middlesbrough's youth academy. However, he suffered a setback when he was de-registered by Boro at under-15 level meaning, although he could still train with the side, he was ineligible to play for them. He later had an unsuccessful trial with Newcastle United before dropping back into local Sunday league football on the recommendation of assistant academy manager Stan Nixon. During his year away from Middlesbrough, Bennett switched from his usual role as a full-back, instead playing as a forward, and "worked really hard on (his) fitness and strength" later commenting that the experience made him realise "how badly I wanted to make it." He was signed on again at the Riverside Stadium after a year, being awarded a scholarship with the under-16 side before being promoted to the club's reserve side in his late teens.
Following his spell in the reserves, Bennett secured a two-year professional deal and named in the senior squad for the first time. He was named on the bench for a number of Premier League fixtures, before making his first team debut on 24 May 2009 during a 2–1 defeat to West Ham United in the final game of the 2008–09 season, replacing Tony McMahon after 46 minutes.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8048322.stm |title=West Ham United 2–1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=16 January 2019}} The defeat resulted in Middlesbrough's relegation from the Premier League.{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-joe-bennett-desperate-3895 |title=Aston Villa's Joe Bennett desperate to build upon 45 minutes of mixed emotions in the Premier League |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Kendrick |first=Mat |date=14 September 2012 |access-date=3 February 2019}}
Having been promoted to the first team, Bennett made his first appearance of the 2009–10 season in an away loss at Nottingham Forest in the League Cup, coming on as a substitute in extra time. He made his first professional start in a 2–2 draw away at Coventry City on 26 September 2009.{{cite news |title=Coventry 2 Boro 2 |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-reports/2009/09/27/coventry-2-boro-2-84229-24789749/ |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=27 September 2009}} He started Middlesbrough's three following matches, earning praise from manager Gareth Southgate.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boro-teen-joe-bennett-back-3715286 |title=Boro teen Joe Bennett back in frame for Reading |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=16 January 2019}} However, Southgate was sacked a month later and replaced by Gordon Strachan. During Strachan's era as manager at Middlesbrough, Bennett admitted to feeling down after struggling to break into the first team. He asked to leave the club on loan but his request was turned down,{{cite news |title=Joe Bennett Loan no-go was blessing in disguise |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2010/11/27/joe-bennett-loan-no-go-was-blessing-in-disguise-84229-27727046/ |newspaper=Evening Gazette |last=Wilkinson |first=Andrew |date=27 November 2010 |access-date=5 February 2019}} although he was later unsuccessfully offered to several clubs for between £150,000 to £250,000.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-could-leave-boro-3671725 |title=Joe Bennett could leave Boro after Aston Villa talks |newspaper=Evening Gazette |last=Vickers |first=Anthony |date=29 August 2012 |access-date=16 January 2019}}
Strachan left Middlesbrough by mutual consent after a year and the arrival of Tony Mowbray saw Bennett become a regular in the first team, as the new manager sought Bennett to play as a more attacking full-back.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/middlesbrough/8071684/Strachan-leaves-Middlesbrough.html |title=Strachan leaves Middlesbrough |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 October 2010 |access-date=17 August 2019}} A proposed loan move to Bristol City was cancelled by Mowbray and Bennett was restored to the first team.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tony-mowbray-made-says-joe-3688503 |title=Tony Mowbray made me says Joe Bennett |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=30 May 2011 |access-date=16 January 2019}} He signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2011, extending his stay until June 2015,{{cite news |title=Joe Bennett signs new deal with Boro |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2011/01/25/joe-bennett-signs-new-deal-with-boro-84229-28049442/ |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=25 January 2011 |access-date=5 February 2019}} and made 28 consecutive starts under the new manager, the longest run of any player, until he was forced to miss several games after contracting mumps.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennetts-ever-present-boro-tag-3686704 |title=Joe Bennett's ever-present Boro tag KO's by illness |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=22 April 2011 |access-date=5 February 2019}} At the end of the season, Bennett won the club's Young Player of the Year award.{{Cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/julio-arca-named-boros-player-3687295 |title=Julio Arca is named Boro's player of the year |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=5 May 2011 |access-date=5 February 2019}} He credited Mowbray with his improved form, commenting "without him I wouldn't be where I am now."{{Cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tony-mowbray-made-says-joe-3688503 |title=Tony Mowbray made me says Joe Bennett |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=30 May 2011 |access-date=3 February 2019}}
=Aston Villa=
On 29 August 2012, after making 92 appearances for Middlesbrough in four years,{{cite web |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2012/08/29/defender-bennett-completes-move-to-villa-on-four-year-deal |title=Defender Bennett completes move to Villa on four-year deal |publisher=Aston Villa F.C. |access-date=5 February 2019}} Bennett completed a transfer to Premier League club Aston Villa for a fee of £3{{nbsp}}million, with potential add-ons rising to £4.25{{nbsp}}million.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-deal-buys-boro-3670145 |title=Joe Bennett deal buys Boro some breathing space |newspaper=Evening Gazette |last=Steel |first=Adam |date=1 September 2012 |access-date=16 January 2019}} He made his debut on 22 September 2012, coming on as a substitute for Eric Lichaj during a 4–1 defeat against Southampton.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19615244 |title=Southampton 4–1 Aston Villa |publisher=BBC Sport |last=Lewis |first=Aimee |date=22 September 2012 |access-date=23 September 2012}} In his first season, Bennett made 30 appearances in all competitions for Villa and received praise from manager Paul Lambert as the club suffered a difficult season, finishing 15th. Lambert praised Bennett for not hiding but stated his belief that the club needed to sign a player to "put pressure" on Bennett to improve, eventually adding Antonio Luna from Spanish side Sevilla to the squad.{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-lambert-admits-joe-bennett-4327572 |title=Paul Lambert admits Joe Bennett needs pressure as Villa close in on Antonio Luna |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Kendrick |first=May |date=17 June 2013 |access-date=3 February 2019}}
In his second season, Bennett struggled to break into the first team, with increased competition from Luna and new signing Ryan Bertrand and persistent injury problems, missing three months with a persistent back problem and later suffering from tendinitis in his knee.{{Cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-joe-bennett-admits-6941556 |title=Joe Bennett: I am fully fit now and looking to stay in the team |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Kendrick |first=Mat |date=9 April 2014 |access-date=3 February 2019}} He made two appearances in the League Cup in the opening months of the season but did not make another appearance for Villa until 8 February 2014, when he replaced Bertrand during a 2–0 defeat to West Ham United. Three days later, he made his first league start of the season, playing in an unfamiliar left midfield role during a 0–0 draw with Cardiff City.{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-backed-boost-aston-6719858 |title=Joe Bennett backed to boost Aston Villa for run-in |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Kendrick |first=Mat |date=18 February 2014 |access-date=3 February 2019}} He made just seven appearances in all competitions during the season.
==Loan spells==
Having lost his place in the first team to Aly Cissokho,{{Cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-joe-bennett-seals-7646051 |title=Aston Villa: Joe Bennett seals Brighton loan move |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Evans |first=Gregg |date=20 August 2014 |access-date=3 February 2019}} on 21 August 2014, Bennett joined Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan, with Brighton manager Sami Hyypiä describing him as "a dynamic left-back who's very comfortable on the ball."{{Cite news |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/11422720.bennett-is-ready-to-go-after-signing-albion-loan-deal/ |title=Bennett is ready to go after signing Albion loan deal |newspaper=The Argus |last=Owen |first=Brian |date=20 August 2014 |access-date=3 February 2019}} He made his debut for the club in a 2–1 victory over Bolton Wanderers on 23 August 2014.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28815202 |title=Brighton & Hove Albion 2–1 Bolton Wanderers |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 August 2014 |access-date=3 February 2019}} Following his arrival, Bennett described how he was "loving playing" under Hyypiä's attacking style of play and revealed that he had removed himself from social network site Twitter having been subject to abuse from Aston Villa fans.{{cite news |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/11501958.bennett-on-a-high-at-albion/ |title=Bennett on a high at Albion |newspaper=The Argus |last=Naylor |first=Andy |date=30 September 2014 |access-date=3 February 2019}} In January 2015, Bennett stated that he was open to signing for the club on a permanent basis.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/11735197.bennett-interested-in-joining-seagulls-on-a-permanent-basis/ |title=Bennett interested in joining Seagulls on a permanent basis |newspaper=The Argus |last=Naylor |first=Andy |date=20 January 2015 |access-date=3 February 2019}} Bennett made 42 appearances in all competitions for Brighton, featuring in more matches than any other player at the club, before returning to Villa at the end of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/12980797.villa-to-hand-albion-loanee-bennett-fresh-start/ |title=Villa to hand Albion loanee Bennett fresh start |newspaper=The Argus |last=Naylor |first=Andy |date=30 May 2015 |access-date=3 February 2019}}
Bennett began the 2015–16 season with Villa, scoring his first goal for the club in a 5–3 victory against Notts County in the League Cup on 25 August 2015.{{cite news |title=Aston Villa 5–3 Notts County |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33969962 |access-date=25 August 2015 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 August 2015}} Despite initially hoping to return to the first team under new manager Tim Sherwood, he was loaned to newly promoted A.F.C. Bournemouth on an initial six-month loan deal on the final day of the summer transfer window, signing a one-year contract extension with Villa prior to his departure.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/13639196.updated-aston-villa-left-back-joe-bennett-joins-afc-bournemouth/ |title=Aston Villa left-back Joe Bennett joins AFC Bournemouth |newspaper=Bournemouth Echo |last=Mitchell |first=Andy |date=1 September 2015 |access-date=3 February 2019}} Signed as cover following injuries sustained by Tyrone Mings and Charlie Daniels, Bennett was described by manager Eddie Howe as possessing "everything the modern day left-back needs."{{Cite news |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/13642098.afc-bournemouth-boss-howe-welcomes-two-quality-additions/ |title=AFC Bournemouth: Boss Howe welcomes two quality additions |newspaper=Bournemouth Echo |last=Perrett |first=Neil |date=3 September 2015 |access-date=3 February 2019}} However, he failed to make an appearance for the side and suffered an achilles injury after a month resulting in his return to Villa in January 2016.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/14164082.afc-bournemouth-joe-bennett-and-filippo-costa-return-to-parent-clubs/ |title=AFC Bournemouth: Joe Bennett and Filippo Costa return to parent clubs |newspaper=Bournemouth Echo |last=Perrett |first=Neil |date=23 December 2015 |access-date=3 February 2019}}
He then joined Sheffield Wednesday on 19 January 2016 for the rest of the season.{{cite news |title=Sheffield Wednesday: Joe Bennett signs season-long loan deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35352102 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=19 January 2016}} He made his debut against Shrewsbury Town on 30 January, where Wednesday were knocked out of the FA Cup in a 3–2 defeat. He went on to make four appearances as Wednesday made the play-offs, losing in the final against Hull City. On his return to Villa, Bennett was informed by manager Roberto Di Matteo that he was not part of his first team plans,{{Cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villas-joe-bennett-say-11737831 |title=Aston Villa's Joe Bennett has his say on collapse of Sheffield Wednesday move |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Kendrick |first=Mat |date=11 August 2016 |access-date=3 February 2019}} leading Bennett to enter into talks over a permanent move over to Hillsborough. The move was later blocked by new Villa owner, Tony Xia, which he insisted was for financial reasons, with Xia believed to be unhappy over the terms of the deal which included subsidising Bennett's wages,{{cite news |title=Dr Tony Xia comments on Joe Bennett's failed move to Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday |url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dr-tony-xia-comments-joe-11797269 |work=Birmingham Mail |first=Alex |last=Dicken |date=25 August 2016 |access-date=25 August 2016}} and to avoid selling a player to a divisional rival.
=Cardiff City=
On 27 August 2016, Bennett joined fellow Championship side Cardiff City on a free transfer.{{cite news |title=Cardiff City sign goalkeeper Ben Amos and defender Joe Bennett |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37196702 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2016 |access-date=26 August 2016}} After suffering a calf injury, Bennett was forced to wait two months before making his debut in a 2–1 Severnside derby victory against Bristol City on 14 October.{{cite news |title=Cardiff City 2–1 Bristol City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37581994 |publisher=BBC Sport |last=Pritchard |first=Dafydd |date=14 October 2016 |access-date=14 October 2016}} His first goal for Cardiff came on 18 March 2017, in a 3–1 win over Ipswich Town and he concluded the season, with a brace against Huddersfield Town on the final day.{{Soccerbase season|50005|2016|access-date=20 August 2017}}
During the summer of 2017, fellow Championship side Fulham met a release clause in Bennett's contract. However, he rejected the move to stay in the Welsh capital,{{cite news |title=Joe Bennett: Cardiff City defender turns down offer from Fulham |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40974812 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2017 |access-date=20 August 2017}} with manager Neil Warnock confirming that Fulham's offer contained a significant wage increase.{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-warnock-confirms-joe-bennett-13495330 |title=Neil Warnock confirms Joe Bennett turned down more money from Fulham to stay at Cardiff City |work=WalesOnline |publisher=Media Wales |last=Booth |first=Dominic |date=18 August 2017 |access-date=4 February 2019}} His first goal of the season came at Reading on 11 December.{{Cite news |title=Reading 2–2 Cardiff City |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42217978 |publisher=BBC Sport |last=Williams |first=Adam |date=11 December 2017 |access-date=11 December 2017}} He was sent off following two yellow cards in an FA Cup match against Manchester City on 28 January. Bennett later issued a public apology for the first bookable tackle on Leroy Sané, which left the opposition player injured, following backlash from fans on social media and pundits.{{cite news |title=Leroy Sane: Cardiff City's Joe Bennett sorry for dangerous foul |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42854590 |publisher=BBC Sport |last=Pritchard |first=Dafydd |date=28 January 2018 |access-date=28 January 2018}} Former referee Mark Halsey described the foul as a "potential leg-breaking tackle."{{Cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-issues-public-apology-14214883 |title=Joe Bennett issues public apology as national media accuse Cardiff City of 'thuggery' after tackle on Man City star Leroy Sane |work=WalesOnline |publisher=Media Wales |last=Mitchelmore |first=Ian |date=29 January 2018 |access-date=4 February 2019}} Cardiff manager Neil Warnock made Bennett train alone after the incident as punishment and was left out of the first team following the arrival of loan signing Armand Traoré but was eventually restored to the side by Warnock.{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-reveals-impact-tackling-14471002 |title=Joe Bennett reveals impact of tackling Man City's Leroy Sane as Cardiff City star piles pressure on promotion rivals |work=WalesOnline |publisher=Media Wales |last=Booth |first=Dominic |date=29 March 2018 |access-date=4 February 2019}} During the 2017–18 season, Bennett helped the club win promotion to the Premier League after finishing as runners-up in the Championship, making 40 appearances in all competitions. At the end of the season, he was handed a new three-year contract with the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-signs-new-cardiff-14859414 |title=Joe Bennett signs new Cardiff City contract to end Fulham transfer speculation |work=WalesOnline |publisher=Media Wales |last=Booth |first=Dominic |date=3 July 2018|access-date=4 February 2019}}
Ahead of the 2018–19 season, Cardiff signed fellow left-back Greg Cunningham from Preston North End to provide competition for Bennett. He described Cunningham's arrival as "motivation" to him,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45594915 |title=Joe Bennett: Cardiff defender 'stronger' after Leroy Sane tackle criticism |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 September 2018 |access-date=22 April 2019}} with the pair sharing the role in the opening months of the campaign.{{cite news |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/five-key-lessons-learned-cardiff-15631221 |title=The five key lessons learned from Cardiff City's clashes with Tottenham, Leicester, Crystal Palace Manchester United and Watford |work=WalesOnline |publisher=Media Wales |last=Johnson |first=Scott |date=5 January 2019 |access-date=22 April 2019}} Three days prior to a match against Arsenal in January 2019, Bennett's father suddenly died. Electing to play in the match, Bennett played the full 90 minutes in a match described as "emotionally charged" in the first fixture since the disappearance of Cardiff's new signing Emiliano Sala in a plane crash. He finished the campaign having made 30 appearances in the Premier League as Cardiff suffered relegation to the Championship.
=Wigan Athletic=
On 31 August 2021, Bennett joined League One club Wigan Athletic on a two-year deal following his release from Cardiff.
Bennett made his Wigan debut on Tuesday 30 November, playing 68 minutes against Accrington Stanley in Round 2 of the Papa John's Trophy. Wigan won the fixture decided by a penalty shootout after the game finished 1–1 after 90 minutes.{{cite web|url=https://wiganathletic.com/news/2021/august/Deadline-Day-Signing-Latics-sign-defender-Joe-Bennett/|title=Latics sign defender Joe Bennett|website=wiganathletic.com|date=31 August 2021}}
=Oxford United=
Bennett signed for Oxford United on 30 November 2023, having left Wigan Athletic in the summer. He made his debut for the club on 5 December, in a 1–0 win against Forest Green Rovers in the EFL Trophy. He made his league debut on 9 December, coming on as a substitute for Jordan Thorniley in the 69th minute, in a 3–0 defeat to Peterborough United. On 10 January 2024, Bennett signed a contract extension with the club until the end of the season.
International career
Bennett was part of the England under-19 squad at the 2009 European Championships in Ukraine in the summer of 2009.{{Cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boro-star-downing-set-aston-3716891 |title=Boro star Downing set for Aston Villa switch |newspaper=Evening Gazette |last=Tallentire |first=Philip |date=15 July 2009 |access-date=5 February 2019}} After featuring as a substitute in England's opening two group matches, draws with Switzerland and hosts Ukraine, Bennett was named in the starting lineup for his side's final group match, a 7–1 victory over Slovenia. He remained in the starting lineup for England's semifinal victory over France and their defeat to Ukraine in the final.{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/matchrsl/MatchRslTmU19pg1.html |title=England's Matches the Under-19s – 1991–2010 |publisher=England Football Online |access-date=5 February 2019}} He was due to participate in the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup but did not because of club commitments.{{cite news |title=Two Lions In, One Lion Out |url=http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/two-lions-in-one-lion-out-20090914_70638_1796418 |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C.|date=15 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124053618/http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/articles/two-lions-in-one-lion-out-20090914_70638_1796418 |archive-date=24 November 2009 }}
Bennett received his first call up for the England under-21 side after a series of impressive first team performances for Middlesbrough on 2 February 2011. He went into the squad for the game against Italy U21s, making his debut in the match as England suffered a 1–0 defeat.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/joe-bennett-eager-more-england-3682939 |title=Joe Bennett eager for more England action |newspaper=Evening Gazette |last=Tallentire |first=Philip |date=12 February 2011 |access-date=5 February 2019}} In May 2011, he was named in England's provisional 40-man squad for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship but was omitted from the final selection.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/england-calls-jason-steele-joe-3687213 |title=England calls Jason Steele and Joe Bennett |newspaper=Evening Gazette |date=4 May 2011 |access-date=5 February 2019}} He won his third and final cap for the under-21 side in a 4–1 victory over Israel in September 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/matchrsl/MatchRslTmU21pg4.html |title=England Matches – Under-21s 2010–20 |publisher=England Football Online |access-date=5 February 2019}}
Style of play
Bennett is regarded as an attacking full-back with impressive speed.{{Cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-the-lowdown-on-joe-bennett-191639 |title=Aston Villa: The lowdown on Joe Bennett from a man who has followed his career closely |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Kendrick |first=Mat |date=4 September 2012 |access-date=5 February 2019}} During his career, he has played as a left wing-back and a left winger as well as a traditional full-back.{{Cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-youngster-joe-bennett-1211301 |title=Joe Bennett: "I like to get forward whenever I can. I think that's one of my best attributes." |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |last=Kendrick |first=Mat |date=16 January 2013 |access-date=5 February 2019}} Paul Fraser of The Northern Echo has described Bennett as "very quick, likes to get forward and is probably better attacking-wise than he is defensively." Bennett has stated that he likes "to get forward whenever I can" and "be involved as much as possible and get some crosses in."
Personal life
Bennett and his wife Cherie have three children together. {{cite web | url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-warnock-lauds-joe-bennetts-13698835 | title=Sleepless new dad Joe Bennett earns big praise from Warnock | date=30 September 2017 }}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 31 August 2024}}
{{notelist}}
Honours
Cardiff City
- EFL Championship second-place promotion: 2017–18{{cite book |editor-first=John |editor-last=Anderson |title=Football Yearbook 2018–2019 |year=2018 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-1-4722-6106-9 |pages=106–107}}
Oxford United
- EFL League One play-offs: 2024{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c51nny61k2wt#Line-ups |title=Bolton Wanderers 0–2 Oxford United: Line-ups |website=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2024 |access-date=18 May 2024}}
England U19
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2009{{cite web |url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/fixturesresults/round=15215/match=2001285/report=lu.html |title=England 0–2 Ukraine: Lineups |publisher=UEFA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219192059/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under19/fixturesresults/round=15215/match=2001285/report=lu.html |archive-date=19 December 2015}}
Individual
- Middlesbrough Young Player of the Year: 2010–11
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Oxford United F.C. squad}}
{{Middlesbrough F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Joe}}
Category:Footballers from Rochdale
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's youth international footballers
Category:England men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Middlesbrough F.C. players
Category:Aston Villa F.C. players
Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players
Category:AFC Bournemouth players
Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players
Category:Cardiff City F.C. players
Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players
Category:Premier League players