Ben Nugent
{{short description|English footballer}}
{{for|the American writer|Benjamin Nugent}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ben Nugent
| image = Ben Nugent.jpg
| caption = Nugent playing for Cardiff City in 2012
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1992|11|29}}
| birth_place = Welwyn Garden City, England
| height = {{Height|m=1.96}}{{Soccerbase}}
| position = Centre-back
| currentclub = Angkor Tiger
| clubnumber = 3
| youthyears1 = 2007–2012
| youthclubs1 = Cardiff City
| years1 = 2009–2010
| clubs1 = Street
| caps1 = 37
| goals1 = 3
| years2 = 2012–2015
| clubs2 = Cardiff City
| caps2 = 12
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2013–2014
| clubs3 = → Brentford (loan)
| caps3 = 0
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2014
| clubs4 = → Peterborough United (loan)
| caps4 = 11
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2014–2015
| clubs5 = → Yeovil Town (loan)
| caps5 = 23
| goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2015–2017
| clubs6 = Crewe Alexandra
| caps6 = 59
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2017–2018
| clubs7 = Gillingham
| caps7 = 23
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2018–2020
| clubs8 = Stevenage
| caps8 = 57
| goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2020–2021
| clubs9 = Barnet
| caps9 = 23
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2021–2023
| clubs10 = Gloucester City
| caps10 = 52
| goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2023–
| clubs11 = Angkor Tiger
| caps11 = 43
| goals11 = 5
| club-update = 5 May 2025
}}
Ben William Nugent (born 29 November 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Cambodian Premier League club Angkor Tiger.
Career
=Cardiff City=
Born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire,{{Cite web |last=Yousif |first=Layth |title=Stevenage sign former Gillingham defender Ben Nugent on a free transfer |url=https://www.thecomet.net/sport/football/stevenage-sign-ben-nugent-from-league-one-side-gillignham-1-5614492 |access-date=30 January 2019 |website=The Comet |language=en}} Nugent attended Millfield with his sports scholarships{{Cite news |date=27 November 2012 |title=How new star Ben Nugent was actually released by Cardiff City |publisher=South Wales Echo |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-new-star-ben-nugent-2018781 |access-date=1 September 2014}} before he joined the academy at Championship side Cardiff City in 2007. However, Nugent was released in 2009 by manager Dave Jones.{{Cite news |date=19 March 2013 |title=Cardiff City defender Ben Nugent enjoying life as a football star |publisher=South Wales Echo |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-defender-ben-nugent-2494487 |access-date=1 September 2014}} But his youth coach Neal Ardley convinced Jones to keep Nugent while he played for Western Premier side Street.{{Cite news |date=27 November 2012 |title=Bluebirds so close to losing their teenage talent Ben Nugent |publisher=South Wales Echo |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bluebirds-close-losing-teenage-talent-2018827 |access-date=1 September 2014}} Malky Mackay tipped Nugent to be a future captain at Cardiff City.{{Cite news |date=26 November 2012 |title=Malky Mackay hails Cardiff City young gun Ben Nugent |publisher=South Wales Echo |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/malky-mackay-hails-cardiff-city-2018685 |access-date=1 September 2014}}
His professional debut for Cardiff came on 14 August 2012, in a 2–1 defeat to Northampton Town in the League Cup. His first league game came on 17 November, when he came on to replace Ben Turner against Middlesbrough and was awarded Man of the Match. On 24 November, Nugent made his first league start for the Bluebirds in a 2–1 win at Barnsley, and opened the scoring with his first senior goal. Nugent continued to captain the Development Squad, and on 4 January he signed a new deal until 2016.{{Cite news |last=Terry Phillips |date=4 January 2013 |title=Cardiff City youngster Ben Nugent signs new contract to 2016 |work=South Wales Echo |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/cardiff-city/cardiff-city-fc/2013/01/04/91466-32545099/?#ixzz2H0F1VVKz |access-date=4 January 2013}} He then went on to start the next day against Macclesfield Town, which Cardiff lost 2–1, knocking them out of the FA Cup. Nugent continued to be a part of match-day squads throughout his debut season and was a substitute as Cardiff sealed promotion to the Premier League with a 0–0 draw at home against Charlton Athletic on 16 April 2013.
Nugent was named Cardiff City Young Player of Year 2012–13.{{Cite news |date=2 May 2013 |title=Cardiff City defender Ben Nugent goes from Street to Premier League in three years |publisher=Western Daily Press |url=http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Cardiff-City-defender-Ben-Nugent-goes-Street/story-18871116-detail/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140901134421/http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Cardiff-City-defender-Ben-Nugent-goes-Street/story-18871116-detail/story.html |archive-date=1 September 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014}}
=Loan spells=
Nugent signed for League One side Brentford on 1 August 2013 on loan until 5 January 2014. He had played for Cardiff in a pre-season friendly at Griffin Park two days previously.{{Cite news |date=1 August 2013 |title=Defender arrives on loan |work=Brentford F.C. |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/ben-nugent-loan-signing-01.08.13-959182.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901125713/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/ben-nugent-loan-signing-01.08.13-959182.aspx |archive-date=1 September 2014 |access-date=1 August 2013}} He made his Brentford debut on 6 August, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3–2 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge in the League Cup.{{Cite news |date=6 August 2013 |title=Brentford 3 – 2 Dagenham and Redbridge |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23499431 |access-date=1 September 2014}} He scored his first goal for the club on 3 September, in a 5–3 victory over Wimbledon in the Football League Trophy, his third appearance.{{Cite news |date=3 September 2013 |title=Brentford 5 – 3 Wimbledon |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23846427 |access-date=1 September 2014}} He scored again in the next round, against Peterborough United on 8 October.{{Cite news |date=8 October 2013 |title=Peterborough United 2 – 1 Brentford |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24349727 |access-date=1 September 2014}} Nugent made an impact in a 5–0 FA Cup first-round win over Staines Town on 9 November 2013. Having made five appearances for the club, it was announced that Nugent would return to his parent club.{{Cite news |date=6 January 2014 |title=Ben Nugent departs Brentford |publisher=Brentford F.C. |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/ben-nugent-departs-06.01.14-1278023.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901132136/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/ben-nugent-departs-06.01.14-1278023.aspx |archive-date=1 September 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014}}
On 13 February 2014, Nugent joined League One side Peterborough United on loan.{{Cite web |date=13 February 2014 |title=Big Ben Signs |url=http://www.theposh.com/news/article/20140213-big-ben-signs-1357917.aspx |url-status=live |website=Peterborough United FC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901123943/http://www.theposh.com/news/article/20140213-big-ben-signs-1357917.aspx |archive-date=1 September 2014}} Nugent made his debut for the club on 14 February 2014, making his first start, in a 0–0 draw against Walsall.{{Cite news |date=14 February 2014 |title=Peterborough United 0 – 0 Walsall |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26094569 |access-date=1 September 2014}} Nugent made eleven appearances for the club and returned to his parent club.{{Cite news |date=2 May 2014 |title=Meet the team to win the League One play-offs |publisher=Peterborough Today |url=http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/meet-the-team-to-win-the-league-one-play-offs-1-6037237 |access-date=7 August 2015}} He was however cup-tied for Peterborough's victory in the 2014 Football League Trophy Final.{{cite news |url=https://www.theposh.com/news/2014/april/posh-v-colchester-match-preview|title=Posh v Colchester Match Preview |publisher=The Posh |date=2 April 2014 |access-date=26 January 2022}}
On 11 July 2014, Nugent joined Yeovil Town on loan until 4 January 2015.{{Cite news |date=11 July 2014 |title=Ben Nugent: Cardiff City defender joins Yeovil Town on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28263759 |access-date=11 July 2014}} Nugent made his debut for the club on 16 August 2014, making his first start, in a 2–0 loss against Gillingham.{{Cite news |date=16 August 2014 |title=Gillingham 2–0 Yeovil Town |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28716726 |access-date=18 August 2014}} Nugent scored his first Yeovil Town goal on 26 December 2014, in a 2–1 loss against Bristol City.{{Cite news |date=26 December 2014 |title=Bristol City 2–1 Yeovil Town |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30543846 |access-date=7 August 2015}} A week later, Nugent had his loan spell at Yeovil Town extended until the end of the season.{{Cite web |date=5 January 2015 |title=NUGENT EXTENDS LOAN |url=https://www.ytfc.net/nugent-extends-loan/ |publisher=Yeovil Town F.C. |access-date=7 August 2015}} Nugent was then sent off in the 26th minute after elbowing George Waring on 10 January 2015, in a 2–0 loss against Barnsley.{{Cite news |date=10 January 2015 |title=Barnsley 2 – 0 Yeovil Town |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30663548 |access-date=7 August 2015}} After serving a four-match ban,{{Cite web |date=6 February 2015 |title=PREVIEW: YEOVIL TOWN V CRAWLEY TOWN |url=https://www.ytfc.net/preview-yeovil-town-v-crawley-town/ |publisher=Yeovil Town F.C. |access-date=7 August 2015}} Nugent made his first team return on 7 February 2015, making a start and playing 90 minutes, in a 2–1 win over Crawley Town.{{Cite news |date=7 February 2015 |title=Yeovil Town 2 – 1 Crawley Town |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31070825 |access-date=7 August 2015}} However, his first team opportunities was soon limited, due to a rule limiting numbers of loanees{{Cite web |date=20 February 2015 |title=PREVIEW: YEOVIL TOWN V GILLINGHAM |url=https://www.ytfc.net/preview-yeovil-town-v-gillingham/ |publisher=Yeovil Town F.C. |access-date=7 August 2015}} and was told to fight for the first-team place.{{Cite news |date=23 February 2015 |title=Cardiff City defender Ben Nugent told to fight for Yeovil Town place |publisher=Western Gazette |url=http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Cardiff-City-defender-Ben-Nugent-told-fight/story-26065158-detail/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928163006/http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Cardiff-City-defender-Ben-Nugent-told-fight/story-26065158-detail/story.html |archive-date=28 September 2015 |access-date=7 August 2015}} Nugent went on to make twenty-three appearances and scored once for the club before returning to his parent club.
=Crewe Alexandra=
On 3 August 2015, Nugent joined League One side Crewe Alexandra on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal.{{Cite news |date=3 August 2014 |title=Young defender completes permanent deal |publisher=Cardiff City |url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/nugent-completes-crewe-transfer-2590703.aspx |url-status=dead |access-date=3 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807141053/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/nugent-completes-crewe-transfer-2590703.aspx |archive-date=7 August 2015}} Upon joining Crewe Alexandra, Nugent believed his move to the club could see his career "some much-needed stability".{{Cite news |date=4 August 2015 |title=Ben Nugent grateful for permanent Crewe move |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33777299 |access-date=7 August 2015}} However, on 9 May 2017, Crewe announced that Nugent had been released by the club.[http://www.crewealex.net/news/article/2016-17/crewe-alexandra-retained-list-2017-3711163.aspx Crewe Alexandra Retained List 2017], CreweAlex.net. Retrieved: 9 May 2017.
=Gillingham=
On 15 August 2017, Nugent signed for League One club Gillingham on a one-year contract.{{Cite web |date=15 August 2017 |title=Ben Nugent: Gillingham sign former Crewe Alexandra defender |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40940968 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=15 August 2017}}
=Stevenage=
Nugent was offered a new contract by Gillingham at the end of the 2017–18 season,{{Cite web |date=18 May 2018 |title=Lee Martin: Gillingham release captain and Scott Wagstaff and Jake Hessenthaler |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44176350 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=21 May 2018}} but turned it down and signed for Stevenage of League Two.{{Cite web |date=18 July 2018 |title=Ben Nugent: Stevenage sign former Gillingham defender |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44881023 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=9 September 2018}} He remained with the club until the end of the 2019–20 season until he was released at the end of the season.{{Cite web |title=Stevenage 2020/21 Retained & Released List |url=https://www.stevenagefc.com/news/2020/june/stevenage-football-club-retained-released-list-202021-sky-bet-league-two-efl-english-football-league-thursday-18th-june-2020/ |access-date=25 June 2020 |website=stevenagefc.com |language=en-gb}}
=Barnet=
= Gloucester City =
On 7 October 2021, Nugent transferred to National League North club Gloucester City.{{Cite web |date=7 October 2021 |title=City sign Nugent |url=https://www.gloucestercityafc.com/post/city-sign-nugent |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2021 |website=Gloucester City AFC |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007160946/https://www.gloucestercityafc.com/post/city-sign-nugent |archive-date=7 October 2021 }}
= Angkor Tiger =
In July 2023, Nugent signed for Cambodian Premier League side Angkor Tiger.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/AngkorTigerFC.FFC/posts/pfbid08BVFF9fNFk1iBqib4GuQb3WVXoGpCSmH9DGSW48GF1zs7TW39X6k2LbfAy1yFgDwl|title=Welcome player Ben William Nugent who has officially joined Angkor Tiger Football Club|website=facebook.com|date=2 July 2023|accessdate=3 July 2023}}{{Citation |title=Incredible Cambodia Re-energised Ben Nugent's Career {{!}} The Englishman Talks Football, Fans & Food |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mQhxaaH0vs |access-date=2023-11-26 |language=en}} He scored his first goal for the club on 16 September in a 5–2 defeat by Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC.
Personal life
Nugent finished in the top three in the 1500 metres national championship, but decided to focus on football instead. Nugent's father Richard was also a footballer and also played for Stevenage and Barnet.
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 3 May 2023}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Street
|2009–10{{Cite web |title=Player's Appearances – Nugent Ben |url=https://football.mitoo.co.uk/PlayersHistory2.cfm?PI=496894&LeagueCode=SDWFL2009 |publisher=football.mitoo |access-date=8 May 2020}} |Western League Premier Division |37 | 3 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1Appearance in Western League Cup | 0 | 38 | 3 | ||
| rowspan="4"|Cardiff City
|2012–13{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2012|name=Ben Nugent}} |12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 1 | ||
| 2013–14{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2013|name=Ben Nugent}}
|0 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2014–15{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2014|name=Ben Nugent}}
|Championship |0 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 0 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 1 | ||
| Brentford (loan)
|0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy | 2 | 5 | 2 | |
| Peterborough United (loan)
|League One |11 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | 11 | 0 | ||||
| Yeovil Town (loan)
|League One |23 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 1 | |
| rowspan="3"|Crewe Alexandra
|2015–16{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2015|name=Ben Nugent}} |League One |39 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 42 | 1 | |
| 2016–17{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2016|name=Ben Nugent}}
|League Two |20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!59 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 66 | 1 | |
| Gillingham
|2017–18{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2017|name=Ben Nugent}} |League One |23 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | 27 | 0 | ||
| rowspan="3"|Stevenage
|2018–19{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2018|name=Ben Nugent}} |League Two |34 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 0 | |
| 2019–20{{soccerbase season|id=66127|season=2019|name=Ben Nugent}}
|League Two |23 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 28 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!57 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 64 | 1 | |
| rowspan="3" |Barnet
|2020–21{{Soccerway|id=259171|access-date=9 July 2021}} |21 | 0 | 2 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 1Appearance(s) in FA Trophy | 0 | 24 | 0 | ||
| 2021–22
|National League |2 |0 | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— | colspan="2" |— |2 |0 | ||||||||||
| colspan="2" |Total
!23 !0 !2 !0 ! colspan="2" |— !1 !0 !26 !0 | ||||||||||
| rowspan="3"|Gloucester City
|21 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— |0 |23 |0 | ||||||||||
| 2022–23
|National League North |31 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— |3Appearance(s) in National League North Play-Offs |0 |34 |0 | ||||||||||
| colspan="2" |Total
!52 !0 !0 !0 ! colspan="2" |— !5 !0 !57 !0 | ||||||||||
| Angkor Tiger
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2" |— | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| colspan="3" |Career total
!297 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 336 | 9 |
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
- {{GSA player|ben-nugent/37073}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nugent, Ben}}
Category:Footballers from Welwyn Garden City
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football defenders
Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players
Category:Cardiff City F.C. players
Category:Brentford F.C. players
Category:Peterborough United F.C. players
Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players
Category:Gillingham F.C. players
Category:Stevenage F.C. players
Category:Gloucester City A.F.C. players
Category:Angkor Tiger FC players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Cambodian Premier League players
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Cambodia
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Cambodia