Ben Heneghan
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{EngvarB|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ben Heneghan
| fullname = Benjamin John Heneghan{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/image/201920/general-news/efl-squad-numbering-06.09.2019.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Blackpool |publisher=English Football League |page=6 |accessdate=18 October 2019}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|9|19|df=y}}{{soccerway|accessdate=18 October 2019}}
| birth_place = Manchester, England
| height = {{convert|1.91|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |title=Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.swfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/defender/ben-heneghan/ |publisher=Sheffield Wednesday F.C. |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011194102/https://www.swfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/defender/ben-heneghan/ |url-status=dead }}
| currentclub = Port Vale
| clubnumber = 4
| position = Centre-back
| youthyears1 = 2005–2012
| youthclubs1 = Everton
| youthyears2 = 2012–2014
| youthclubs2 = Stoke City
| years1 = 2013–2014
| clubs1 = Stoke City
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2014
| clubs2 = → Droylsden (loan)
| caps2 = 8
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2014–2016
| clubs3 = Chester
| caps3 = 81
| goals3 = 6
| years4 = 2016–2017
| clubs4 = Motherwell
| caps4 = 41
| goals4 = 1
| years5 = 2017–2020
| clubs5 = Sheffield United
| caps5 = 0
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2018–2020
| clubs6 = → Blackpool (loan)
| caps6 = 68
| goals6 = 3
| clubs7 = AFC Wimbledon
| years7 = 2020–2022
| caps7 = 64
| goals7 = 4
| clubs8 = Sheffield Wednesday
| years8 = 2022–2023
| caps8 = 10
| goals8 = 0
| clubs9 = Fleetwood Town
| years9 = 2023–2024
| caps9 = 37
| goals9 = 0
| clubs10 = Port Vale
| years10 = 2024–
| caps10 = 25
| goals10 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2015–2016
| nationalteam1 = England C
| nationalcaps1 = 3
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| club-update = 17:38, 15 March 2025 (UTC)
}}
Benjamin John Heneghan (born 19 September 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for {{English football updater|PortVale}} club Port Vale. He has been capped by the England C team.
Heneghan spent his youth with Everton and Stoke City, though did not play a first-team game at either club. He had a loan spell in the Northern Premier League with Droylsden before spending two years in the National League with Chester from August 2014. He won a move to the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell in June 2016. He returned to England to join Sheffield United in August 2017, though he would only make one cup appearance in three years. He spent two seasons on loan at Blackpool. In November 2020, he signed with AFC Wimbledon, before he moved on to Sheffield Wednesday in June 2022. A knee injury brought his 2022–23 season to a premature end in October. He then spent the 2023–24 campaign with Fleetwood Town, which ended in relegation from League One in what was his sixth season in the third tier. He joined Port Vale in July 2024.
Career
=Early years=
Heneghan started his career at Everton at the age of eleven and spent seven years in the club's Academy.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Burr happy to have Heneghan on board |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/young-defender-ben-heneghan-grateful-7645698 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=20 August 2014 |language=en}} He played alongside Ross Barkley under Alan Stubbs and David Weir in the reserve team at Goodison Park.{{cite news |last1=Macpherson |first1=Graeme |title=Heneghan signs on at Well |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14577294.heneghan-signs-well/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=The Herald |date=23 June 2016 |language=en}} In April 2012, he made the move to Stoke City, where he captained the under-21 team under Dave Kevan.{{cite web |title=ToffeeWeb - Everton Past Academy Players - Index |url=https://www.toffeeweb.com/players/past/academy/ |website=www.toffeeweb.com |access-date=26 July 2024}}{{cite news |title=Stoke City FC |url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/brave-under-21s-beaten-by-united/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |date=18 August 2012}} He had a loan spell at struggling Northern Premier League Premier Division side Droylsden, scoring an own goal in a 13–1 defeat at Chorley.{{cite news |title=13-1...Rampant Chorley serve up a treat |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/11130508.13-1-rampant-chorley-serve-treat/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Lancashire Telegraph |date=7 April 2014 |language=en}} He did not make a senior appearance for Stoke and was released at the end of the 2013–14 season. He then spent time on trial at Oldham Athletic and Accrington Stanley.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Burr brings in ex-Potters defender |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-former-stoke-city-7622447 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=15 August 2014 |language=en}}
=Chester=
On 15 August 2014, Heneghan joined National League club Chester, initially on non-contract terms.{{cite news |title=Chester sign former Stoke defender Ben Henaghan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28805167 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=15 August 2014}} He made his debut the following day, coming on at right-back as a half-time substitute against Braintree Town.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Match report: Braintree Town 1 Chester FC 3 |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/braintree-town-1-chester-fc-7625449 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=16 August 2014 |language=en}} On 24 September, Heneghan scored his first professional goal, a 94th-minute winner against Cross-border derby rivals Wrexham.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Match report: Chester FC 2 Wrexham 1 |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/chester-fc-2-wrexham-1-7814483 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=22 September 2014 |language=en}} He later said "I will take that memory to my death bed".{{cite news |title=THE BIG INTERVIEW {{!}} Ben Heneghan |url=https://chesterfc.com/the-big-interview-ben-heneghan/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Chester Football Club |date=30 January 2021}} Two days later he agreed a contract until the end of the 2014–15 season.{{cite news |title=Ben Heneghan: Chester defender signs new contract |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29376713 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 September 2014}} Heneghan switched to his preferred central back position in January, when Chester signed right-back Ryan Higgins. On 30 March, Heneghan and Higgins signed new contracts until the end of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Ben Heneghan and Ryan Higgins sign new deals with Chester FC |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-heneghan-ryan-higgins-sign-8946843 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=30 March 2015 |language=en}} Heneghan finished the season as a first-choice centre-back playing 44 matches and scoring eight goals, including against Stockport County and Southend United in the Blues run to the second round of the FA Cup.{{cite news |title=TEAM OF THE DECADE {{!}} Ben Heneghan joins the defensive unit! |url=https://chesterfc.com/team-of-the-decade-ben-heneghan-joins-the-defensive-unit/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Chester Football Club |date=22 March 2020}} He was named the club's Player of the Year.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Chester FC: Ben Heneghan and nine other National League players who could make it in the Football League |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-ben-heneghan-nine-10574785?_ga=2.218981465.1320119914.1721923826-784872899.1706790193 |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=9 December 2015 |language=en}} He was also shortlisted for the National League Player of the Year and Rising Star awards at the MBNA Northwest Football Awards.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Double nomination for Chester FC's Ben Heneghan in regional awards |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/double-nomination-chester-fcs-ben-9926010 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=25 August 2015 |language=en}}
Heneghan made his debut for the England C team on 1 June 2015 in a 2–1 win over Republic of Ireland U21, describing it as a "huge honour".{{cite news |last1=Croasdale |first1=Charlie |title=England C debut a 'huge honour' for Chester FC defender Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15938989.england-c-debut-a-huge-honour-for-chester-fc-defender-ben-heneghan/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=The Leader |date=8 June 2015 |language=en}} He also played in a 2–0 win in Ukraine and a 4–3 defeat to Slovakia. He started the 2015–16 season building a strong partnership in the middle of the defence with the experienced Ian Sharps.{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Dave |title=Woking 5 Chester FC 2: Dave Powell's verdict |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/woking-5-chester-fc-2-9911107 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=22 August 2015 |language=en}} On 19 September, Heneghan scored the winning goal against Eastleigh.{{cite news |last1=Powell |first1=Dave |title=Eastleigh winner the perfect birthday gift for Chester FC defender Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/eastleigh-winner-perfect-birthday-gift-10098111 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=21 September 2015 |language=en}} He received the first red card of his career the following week in a 5–2 defeat at Woking.{{cite news |last1=Wall |first1=Dennis |title=Chester FC: Lessons to be learned for defender Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15939281.chester-fc-lessons-to-be-learned-for-defender-ben-heneghan/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Leader |date=26 August 2015 |language=en}} During the season, Heneghan was reported to be attracting interest from clubs in the Football League and in Scotland.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Chester FC: Ben Heneghan reported to be target for four Championship clubs |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-ben-heneghan-reported-11098105 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=25 March 2016 |language=en}} However, he had not ruled out remaining with Chester.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Chester FC: Ben Heneghan not ruling out remaining with Blues beyond this season |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-ben-heneghan-not-11090447 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=24 March 2016 |language=en}} Manager Steve Burr said he expected the defender to be subject to a transfer offer due to his age and good form.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Chester FC: Steve Burr expects bids for Ben Heneghan when transfer window opens |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-steve-burr-expects-10542361 |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=4 December 2015 |language=en}} Heneghan was later voted into Chester's Team of the Decade. Burr left the club and Heneghan was offered a new contract by new manager Jon McCarthy, though he chose to leave the Deva Stadium, with Chester requesting compensation from his new club as Heneghan was under the age of 24.{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Is Ben Heneghan's time at Chester nearing an end? |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-ben-heneghan-nearing-11471675 |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=14 June 2016 |language=en}} Heneghan said he would not join another National League club ahead of Chester.{{cite news |last1=Wall |first1=Dennis |title=Chester FC defender Ben Heneghan weighing up offers from Football League clubs |url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/15940649.chester-fc-defender-ben-heneghan-weighing-up-offers-from-football-league-clubs/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Leader |date=21 June 2016 |language=en}}
=Motherwell=
On 23 June 2016, Heneghan signed a two-year contract with Scottish Premiership club Motherwell after a deal with agreed with his agent Jake Speight.{{cite news |title=Motherwell confirm deals for Ben Heneghan, Richard Tait and Jacob Blyth |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11796/10322882/motherwell-confirm-deals-for-ben-heneghan-richard-tait-and-jacob-blyth |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Sky Sports |date=23 June 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Jim |title=Ben Heneghan expected to leave Chester for Motherwell |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/chester-fc-ben-heneghan-expected-11513205 |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Cheshire Live |date=23 June 2016 |language=en}} Manager Mark McGhee credited Martin Foyle for scouting Heneghan and said he would compete with Kieran Kennedy, Louis Laing and Stephen McManus for a centre-back position.{{cite news |title=Mark McGhee makes triple swoop for Motherwell |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/mark-mcghee-makes-triple-swoop-for-motherwell-1473700 |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=The Scotsman |date=23 June 2016}} He made his début at Fir Park in a 2–0 defeat to Rangers in the Scottish League Cup.{{cite web|title=Motherwell 0–2 Rangers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36753027|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McLaughlin|first=Chris|date=16 July 2016|accessdate=1 September 2017}}{{cite web|title=Heneghan: 'Well focusing on positives as chances pass by in Rangers defeat|url= http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/14625125.Heneghan____39_Well_focusing_on_positives_as_chances_pass_by_in_Rangers_defeat/ |work=Evening Times|last=McGarry|first=Graeme|date=18 July 2016|accessdate=1 September 2017}} The Well struggled defensively, however, as injuries to other players left the backline with an average age of 21.{{cite news |title=Mark McGhee refuses to give up as pressure mounts on Motherwell boss |url=https://hellorayo.co.uk/clyde/sport/football-news/mark-mcghee-refuses-give-pressure-mounts-motherwell-boss/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=rayo |date=25 February 2017}} Heneghan credited McManus with aiding his development.{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Ben |title=Ben Heneghan reflects on Motherwell, Sheffield United and his Championship ambition |url=https://www.nottheoldfirm.com/exclusive/ben-heneghan-reflects-on-motherwell-sheffield-united-and-his-championship-ambition/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=Not The Old Firm |date=28 December 2020}} He was reported to be a transfer target of Rangers, though new manager Stephen Robinson said that such speculation would not distract Heneghan from the Steelmen's ultimate successful battle against relegation at the end of the 2016–17 season.{{cite news |title=Motherwell boss backs Ben Heneghan to ignore Rangers rumours |url=https://hellorayo.co.uk/clyde/sport/football-news/motherwell-boss-backs-ben-heneghan-ignore-rangers-rumours/ |access-date=25 July 2024 |work=rayo |date=11 May 2017}} He spent a year in Scotland, playing exactly 50 games in all competitions, scoring one goal in a 2–1 home loss in the Scottish Premiership against Rangers.{{cite web|title=Motherwell 1 Rangers 2|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/motherwell-vs-rangers/376403|publisher=Sky Sports|last=Morgan|first=Richard|date=6 August 2017|accessdate=1 September 2017}} The club confirmed that Blackburn Rovers had made an approach for the player as they rejected a transfer bid of £250,000.{{cite news |title=Ben Heneghan: Blackburn Rovers approach Motherwell for defender |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41084909 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Howson |first1=Dom |title=Meet Sheffield Wednesday new boy Ben Heneghan as Moore's summer rebuild begins |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-wednesday-signing-ben-heneghan-24181488 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Yorkshire Live |date=14 June 2022 |language=en}}
=Sheffield United=
On 31 August 2017, Heneghan signed for Championship club Sheffield United on a three-year contract.{{cite web|title=Deadline day defender signs|url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2017/august/ben-heneghan-signs/|publisher=Sheffield United FC|date=31 August 2017|accessdate=31 August 2017}} The transfer fee was later reported to be £400,000. Manager Chris Wilder admitted that Heneghan was not his first-choice signing and that he would have preferred to bring in a more experienced player "but our targets changed and we decided to have a punt on him".{{cite news |title=Sheffield United FC |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2017/september/wilder-on-heneghan |access-date=26 July 2024 |date=5 September 2017}} He made his first and what turned out to be only appearance for Sheffield United in an FA Cup tie against Preston North End in January 2018, where he was reported to have played well.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42756098 |title=Sheffield United 1–0 Preston |date=27 January 2018 |publisher=BBC|accessdate=20 November 2020}}{{cite news |title=Sheffield United: Chris Wilder reveals why Ben Heneghan will remain at Bramall Lane |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-united-chris-wilder-reveals-why-ben-heneghan-will-remain-at-bramall-lane-437949 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Star |date=4 February 2018}} Wilder decided to keep him at Bramall Lane as cover in the second half of the 2017–18 season rather than send him out on loan and rejected a transfer bid from Northampton Town.{{cite news |title=Sheffield United FC |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2018/january/departures-likely |access-date=26 July 2024 |date=29 January 2018}}{{cite news |last1=O'Rourke |first1=Pete |title=Sheffield United reject Northampton bid for Heneghan |url=https://www.hitc.com/por-sheffield-united-reject-northampton-bid-for-heneghan/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=HITC |date=25 January 2018}} Heneghan did not feature again, however, and was transfer-listed at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44081831|title=Clayton Donaldson: Sheffield United release striker and transfer list seven|date=11 May 2018|accessdate=11 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}
On 3 July 2018, Heneghan moved on a season-long loan to League One club Blackpool.{{cite web|title=Ben Heneghan: Blackpool sign defender on season-long loan from Sheffield United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/44701382|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 July 2018|accessdate=4 August 2018}} He was signed by Gary Bowyer, who resigned just one game into the campaign.{{cite news |last1=Scrafton |first1=Matt |title=AFC Wimbledon's Ben Heneghan opens up on his two loan spells with Blackpool and why he didn't sign permanently |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/afc-wimbledons-ben-heneghan-opens-up-on-his-two-loan-spells-with-blackpool-and-why-he-didnt-sign-permanently-3154071 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Blackpool Gazette |date=4 March 2021}} After a difficult start, Heneghan settled into a defence that regularly kept clean sheets and he was frequently in contention for man of the match awards, leading manager Terry McPhillips to say that he would like to bring Heneghan back to Bloomfield Road in the summer transfer window.{{cite news |last1=Scrafton |first1=Matt |title=Terry McPhillips would like Sheffield United loanee Ben Heneghan at Blackpool next season |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/terry-mcphillips-would-like-sheffield-united-loanee-ben-heneghan-at-blackpool-next-season-985283 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Blackpool Gazette |date=13 April 2019}} Heneghan won two awards at the club's end-of-season award's night. He remained transfer-listed at Sheffield United, however, who had won promotion to the Premier League in his absence, with Wilder commenting that "it annoys me immensely" that the transfer-listed players remained at the club.{{cite news |last1=Banks |first1=Ben |title=Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder wants ex-Motherwell defender Ben Heneghan to leave urgently |url=https://www.nottheoldfirm.com/news/sheffield-united-boss-chris-wilder-wants-ex-motherwell-defender-ben-heneghan-to-leave-urgently/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Not The Old Firm |date=13 August 2019}} He was linked with moves to Reading, Sunderland and Hull City.{{cite news |last1=Tunney |first1=Nicholas |title=Reading keen on Sheffield United defender Heneghan |url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/17703933.reading-reportedly-keen-on-sheffield-united-defender-ben-heneghan/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Reading Chronicle |date=13 June 2019 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Seymour |first1=Tom |title=Sunderland reportedly join chase for Sheffield United defender Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.sheffieldunited.news/news/sunderland-reportedly-join-chase-for-sheffield-united-defender-ben-heneghan/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield United News |date=18 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Seymour |first1=Tom |title=Hull reportedly want Heneghan as Sheffield United move more off transfer list |url=https://www.sheffieldunited.news/news/hull-reportedly-want-heneghan-as-sheffield-united-move-more-off-transfer-list/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield United News |date=7 August 2019}}
On 23 August 2019, Heneghan returned to Blackpool on a loan deal until January.{{cite web|title=Ben Heneghan: Sheffield United defender returns to Blackpool on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49453006|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 August 2019|accessdate=5 September 2019}} He impressed, being voted the club's Player of the Month for October.{{cite news |last1=Connor |first1=Lee |title=Ben Heneghan getting the plaudits at Blackpool |url=https://www.sheffieldunited.news/news/ben-heneghan-getting-the-plaudits-at-blackpool/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield United News |date=5 November 2019}} He was linked with moves to Blackburn Rovers and Luton Town in the January transfer window.{{cite news |last1=Seymour |first1=Tom |title=Sheffield United could use reported Blackburn interest in Heneghan to sign long-term target |url=https://www.sheffieldunited.news/news/sheffield-united-could-use-reported-blackburn-interest-in-heneghan-to-sign-long-term-target/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield United News |date=4 January 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Lang |first1=Ben |title='He's really impressed me' - Luton Town plot move to sign 26-year-old: The verdict |url=https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/hes-really-impressed-me-luton-town-plot-move-to-sign-26-year-old-the-verdict/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=FootballLeagueWorld |date=6 January 2020 |language=en}} However, instead his Blackpool loan was extended until the end of the 2019–20 season.{{cite news |last1=Scrafton |first1=Matt |title=Blackpool extend loan of Sheffield United defender Ben Heneghan until the end of the season |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/blackpool-extend-loan-of-sheffield-united-defender-ben-heneghan-until-the-end-of-the-season-1365415 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Blackpool Gazette |date=15 January 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Connor |first1=Lee |title=Report: Ben Heneghan set for extended spell away from Bramall Lane |url=https://www.sheffieldunited.news/news/report-ben-heneghan-set-for-extended-spell-away-from-bramall-lane/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield United News |date=13 January 2020}} On 15 February, he was sent off in a 2–1 defeat at Bristol Rovers after a tough challenge on Jonson Clarke-Harris.{{cite news |last1=Connor |first1=Lee |title=Loan Watch: Ben Heneghan has nightmare moment as Blackpool lose out once again |url=https://www.sheffieldunited.news/news/loan-watch-ben-heneghan-has-nightmare-moment-as-blackpool-lose-out-once-again/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield United News |date=17 February 2020}} Departing manager Simon Grayson had discussed signing him permanently. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in England brought the season due a premature end shortly afterwards and Heneghan admitted that "I never heard anything from [new manager] Critchley. I don’t really think I'm his type of player".
Heneghan left Sheffield United at the end of the 2019–20 season, having been released on a free transfer.{{cite news |last1=Scrafton |first1=Matt |title=Former Blackpool loanee Ben Heneghan released by parent club Sheffield United |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/former-blackpool-loanee-ben-heneghan-released-by-parent-club-sheffield-united-2896288 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Blackpool Gazette |date=26 June 2020}} He then spent a short period out of the game as lockdown restrictions were imposed on the country.{{cite news |last1=Wobschall |first1=Leon |title=Ex-Blade Ben Heneghan looking to settle in quickly at Sheffield Wednesday |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/ex-blade-ben-heneghan-looking-to-settle-in-quickly-at-sheffield-wednesday-3738893 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Yorkshire Post |date=21 June 2022}} He was linked with moves to Preston North End and Millwall.{{cite news |last1=Dawes |first1=Olly |title=Report: Preston are leading chase to sign ex-Blackpool defender Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.deepdaledigest.com/news/report-preston-are-leading-chase-to-sign-ex-blackpool-defender-ben-heneghan/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Deepdale Digest |date=27 July 2020}}
=AFC Wimbledon=
On 19 November 2020, Heneghan signed a contract of undisclosed length with League One club AFC Wimbledon.{{cite news |last1=Slavin |first1=Chris |title=Glyn signs 'no-nonsense' former Blackpool defender |url=https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/2020/november/glyn-signs-no-nonsense-former-blackpool-defender/ |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=AFC Wimbledon |date=19 November 2020}} Manager Glyn Hodges commented that "it's unusual to sign a player of Ben's calibre outside the window".{{cite news |title=Ben Heneghan: AFC Wimbledon sign former Sheffield United and Blackpool defender |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55010472 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=19 November 2020}} He had previously worked with Hodges at Stoke City's academy.{{cite news |last1=Slavin |first1=Chris |title=Ben excited by new challenge after inspirational Plough Lane visit |url=https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/2020/november/ben-excited-by-challenge-after-inspirational-plough-lane-visit/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=AFC Wimbledon |date=19 November 2020}} He made his debut for Wimbledon as a substitute against Rochdale on 21 November.{{cite news |title=Rochdale 0-1 AFC Wimbledon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54941001 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 November 2020}} In his second appearance for the club he scored his first goal, in a 2–1 defeat to Gillingham on 24 November.{{cite news |title=Gillingham 2-1 AFC Wimbledon |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54969211 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=24 November 2020}} He served as club captain under head coach Mark Robinson.{{cite news |last1=Tomlinson |first1=Henry |title=Dons captain full of praise for new striker |url=https://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/dropthedons/19905651.afc-wimbledon-captain-full-praise-new-striker/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Wimbledon Times |date=7 February 2022 |language=en}} He was in good form when he was hit with a seven-week hamstring injury lay-off.{{cite news |title=Ben aims to lead the way as he seeks to reignite his career |url=https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/2021/february/ben-aims-to-lead-the-way-as-he-seeks-to-reignite-his-career/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=AFC Wmbledon |date=12 February 2021}} He played consistently well in the 2021–22 season, despite the Dons relegation.{{cite news |last1=Howson |first1=Dom |title=Expert AFC Wimbledon view on potential Sheffield Wednesday signing Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/afc-wimbledon-sheffield-wednesday-heneghan-24215790 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Yorkshire Live |date=14 June 2022 |language=en}} He left Plough Lane following Wimbledon's relegation after manager Johnnie Jackson admitted that it was unrealistic to be able to keep him at the club in League Two.
=Sheffield Wednesday=
On 14 June 2022, Heneghan joined League One club Sheffield Wednesday on an undisclosed-length deal.{{cite news|title=Ben Heneghan agrees Owls switch|url=https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2022/june/ben-heneghan-agrees-owls-switch/|access-date=14 June 2022|publisher=Sheffield Wednesday Official Site|date=14 June 2022}}{{cite news |title=Ben Heneghan: Sheffield Wednesday to sign AFC Wimbledon defender |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61800213 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 June 2022}} The Owls had struggled with set pieces and it was hoped that Heneghan's height would help to correct this issue.{{cite news |last1=Crann |first1=Joe |title=Ben Heneghan: Sheffield Wednesday signing draws closer as defender agrees personal terms |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/ben-heneghan-sheffield-wednesday-signing-draws-closer-as-defender-agrees-personal-terms-3729256 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Star |date=13 June 2022}} He made his Wednesday debut on 30 July, starting in a 3–3 draw with Portsmouth at Hillsborough.{{cite news |last1=Howson |first1=Dom |title=Sheffield Wednesday team news confirmed v Portsmouth as Moore hands three debuts |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/sheffield-wednesday-team-news-portsmouth-24628485 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Yorkshire Live |date=30 July 2022 |language=en}} On 1 October, he was named in the EFL Team of the Week for his performance in a 1–0 win at Port Vale.{{cite news |last1=Crann |first1=Joe |title=Sheffield Wednesday star named among EFL's best – duo claim League One plaudits |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-star-named-among-efls-best-duo-claim-league-one-plaudits-3865490 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Star |date=3 October 2022}} On 22 October, he suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament knee injury away at Lincoln City.{{cite news|title=Ben Heneghan suffers injury blow|url=https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2022/october/ben-heneghan-suffers-injury-blow/|access-date=28 October 2022|publisher=Sheffield Wednesday FC|date=28 October 2022}}{{cite news |title=Sheffield Wednesday: Defender Ben Heneghan may miss rest of season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63429083 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Ned |title=Sheffield Wednesday Ben Heneghan reveals 'milestone' in recovery from long-term injury |url=https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sheffield-wednesday-ben-heneghan-reveals-milestone-in-recovery-from-long-term-injury/ |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=FootballLeagueWorld |date=3 March 2023 |language=en}} He underwent surgery in December.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Alex |title="Best husband, best daddy" - Celebrating Sheffield Wednesday's promotion heroes with those that love them the most - Part II |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-letters-from-family-ben-heneghan-liam-palmer-michael-ihiekwe-4171639 |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Star |date=6 June 2023}} Following promotion back to the Championship it was confirmed that Heneghan would be released following the end of his contract.{{cite news |title=Owls retained list confirmed |url=https://www.swfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/owls-retained-list-confirmed/ |access-date=24 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Wednesday FC |date=2 June 2023}} Manager Darren Moore said the decision to release Heneghan was made by chairman Dejphon Chansiri. A claim denied by Chansiri, who insisted that Moore had made the decision.{{cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Chris |title="Not true and unfair…" - Dejphon Chansiri discusses Sheffield Wednesday summer transfer decision |url=https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/not-true-and-unfair-dejphon-chansiri-discusses-sheffield-wednesday-summer-transfer-decision/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=FootballLeagueWorld |date=13 September 2023 |language=en}} New manager Xisco Muñoz, meanwhile, explained that there was no longer room in the squad to re-sign Heneghan.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Alex |title=Sheffield Wednesday encourage EFL clubs to sign 'top man' Ben Heneghan |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-welcome-approaches-to-top-man-ben-heneghan-4336519 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Star |date=14 September 2023}}
=Fleetwood Town=
On 21 September 2023, Heneghan joined Fleetwood Town on a contract of undisclosed length, becoming Lee Johnson's first signing as manager of the Cods.{{cite news |title=Ben Heneghan: Fleetwood Town sign former Sheff Wed defender for free |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66866514 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 September 2023}}{{cite news|title=Town sign experienced defender Ben Heneghan to the ranks|url=https://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/news/2023/september/signing-ben-heneghan/|access-date=21 September 2023|publisher=Fleetwood Town Official Site|date=21 September 2023}} The team had endued a poor start to the 2023–24 season, conceding an excessive amount of goals.{{cite news |last1=Galindo |first1=Alan |title=Ex-Hibs boss Lee Johnson lands first Fleetwood Town transfer at new club |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/sport/ex-hibs-boss-lee-johnson-27761356 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Edinburgh Live |date=21 September 2023 |language=en}} He impressed on his debut at Burton Albion two days later, despite giving away a penalty, which Johnson blamed on a lack of match sharpness after ten months without a game.{{cite news |last1=Phelps |first1=Luke |title=Ex-Sheffield Wednesday favourite puts in 'brilliant' debut for new club |url=https://www.sheffieldwednesday.news/news/ex-sheffield-wednesday-favourite-puts-in-brilliant-debut-for-new-club/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Wednesday News |date=26 September 2023}} He was named in the EFL Team of the Week and the Football League Paper's Team of the Day for his performance in a 3–0 win over Port Vale at Highbury Stadium on 3 February.{{cite news |title=Stockley, Broom, and Heneghan all awarded for their Vale performances |url=https://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/club-news/totw-three-players-awarded/ |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Fleetwood Town FC |date=5 February 2024}} He was released at the end of the season after having made 37 League One starts in Fleetwood's unsuccessful attempt to avoid relegation.{{cite news |last1=Coates |first1=Tom |title=Former Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool defender on hunt for new club after release |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/former-sheffield-united-sheffield-wednesday-and-blackpool-defender-on-hunt-for-new-club-after-release-4615758 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Yorkshire Post |date=3 May 2024}}
=Port Vale=
On 24 July 2024, Heneghan joined League Two club Port Vale on a two-year contract, reuniting with former Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore.{{cite news |title=Ben Heneghan: Port Vale sign ex-Fleetwood defender on two-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crglpxn706yo |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=24 July 2024}} On 16 November, he won praise for his performance in a 1–0 win at Morecambe having made 14 clearances, five interceptions and two tackles throughout the game.{{cite news |title=Five of WhoScored's top performers in Sky Bet League Two |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2024/november/17/five-of-whoscored-s-top-performers-in-sky-bet-league-two/ |access-date=14 December 2024 |work=EFL |date=17 November 2024 |language=en}} He was named on The Football League Paper's Team of the Day for his performance in a 2–1 win at Doncaster Rovers on 4 January.{{Cite tweet |user=TheLeaguePaper |number=1875859790603092476 |title= 🌟 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘 🌟 2x @OfficialPVFC 2x @TranmereRovers 2x @officialbantams 2x @SalfordCityFC 2x @Official_NCFC 1x @ASFCofficial Our best XI from yesterday's #SkyBetLeagueTwo action ⤵️}} He picked up an injury during training in March was ruled out for the rest of the 2024–25 season.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Promotion dreams and late drama |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/promotion-dreams-and-late-drama |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=23 March 2025}}
Style of play
Heneghan is a strong and pacey centre-back with sound technical ability who has a professional attitude and quiet personality.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Alex |title=Sheffield Wednesday: 'Ben Heneghan Day', extras on the astroturf and dark days at Sheffield United |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-ben-heneghan-day-extras-on-the-astroturf-and-dark-days-at-sheffield-united-3743754 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Star |date=26 June 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Alex |title=Sheffield Wednesday: What then Sheffield United, AFC Wimbledon and Motherwell bosses said about new Owls signing |url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/sheffield-wednesday-what-then-sheffield-united-afc-wimbledon-and-motherwell-bosses-said-about-new-owls-signing-3732076 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=Sheffield Star |date=15 June 2022}} He is an aerial threat with his height, though is not naturally skilled at playing out from the back.
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 15 March 2025}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
{{Port Vale F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heneghan, Ben}}
Category:Footballers from Manchester
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's semi-pro international footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Stoke City F.C. players
Category:Droylsden F.C. players
Category:Motherwell F.C. players
Category:Sheffield United F.C. players
Category:Blackpool F.C. players
Category:AFC Wimbledon players
Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players
Category:Fleetwood Town F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Northern Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players