Ben Whitfield
{{short description|English footballer (born 1996)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ben Whitfield
| image = File:Ben Whitfield 14122024.jpg
| caption = Ben Whitfield in 2024.
| full_name = Benjamin Michael Whitfield{{cite web|title=Premier League – Squad List 2016/17|url=https://amazonaws.com/premierleague/document/2016/09/05/de88c294-17a7-42d7-a7d1-d22cbfd68e78/Fixture_Amendments_5_-_2016-17.pdf|publisher=Premier League|page=3|access-date=6 September 2016}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1996|2|28}}{{cite web |title=FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2018/2019 |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2018-2019/fltwo/portv.htm |website=www.footballsquads.co.uk |access-date=1 February 2021}}
| birth_place = Bingley, England
| position = Attacking midfielder; winger
| currentclub = Burton Albion
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 2002–2012
| youthclubs1 = Bradford City
| youthyears2 = 2012
| youthclubs2 = Silsden
| youthyears3 = 2012–2013
| youthclubs3 = Guiseley
| years1 = 2013–2014
| clubs1 = Guiseley
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2014–2018
| clubs2 = AFC Bournemouth
| caps2 = 0
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2015–2016
| clubs3 = → Kidderminster Harriers (loan)
| caps3 = 29
| goals3 = 6
| years4 = 2016–2017
| clubs4 = → Yeovil Town (loan)
| caps4 = 34
| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2017–2018
| clubs5 = → Port Vale (loan)
| caps5 = 37
| goals5 = 4
| years6 = 2018–2019
| clubs6 = Port Vale
| caps6 = 30
| goals6 = 4
| years7 = 2019–2021
| clubs7 = Torquay United
| caps7 = 55
| goals7 = 11
| years8 = 2021–2022
| clubs8 = Stockport County
| caps8 = 15
| goals8 = 2
| years9 = 2022–2024
| clubs9 = Barrow
| caps9 = 81
| goals9 = 13
| years10 = 2024–
| clubs10 = Burton Albion
| caps10 = 23
| goals10 = 1
| years11 = 2025
| clubs11 = → Barrow (loan)
| caps11 = 17
| goals11 = 2
| club-update = 21:51, 16 May 2025 (UTC)
}}
Benjamin Michael Whitfield (born 28 February 1996) is an English professional footballer for {{English football updater|BurtonAl}} club Burton Albion. He can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.
Whitfield spent time in the youth teams at Bradford City and Silsden before making his first-team debut for Guiseley in December 2013. He signed with AFC Bournemouth the following month and spent most of the 2015–16 season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers – where he was named as the club's Player of the Year – and the 2016–17 season on loan at Yeovil Town and 2017–18 season on loan at Port Vale. He joined Port Vale permanently in August 2018, though he left the club 13 months later to join non-League Torquay United. He was named Torquay's Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season but left the club shortly after their defeat in the 2021 National League play-off final. He joined Stockport County in July 2021 and helped the club to win promotion into the English Football League as champions of the National League in the 2021–22 season. He signed with Barrow in July 2022. After two seasons with Barrow, he joined Burton Albion, only to return to Barrow on loan in February 2025.
Career
=Guiseley=
Whitfield was part of the Bradford City academy until the age of 16.{{cite web |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/14324797.AFC_Bournemouth__Ben_Whitfield_and_Jack_Simpson_handed_new_deals/ |title=AFC Bournemouth: Ben Whitfield and Jack Simpson handed new deals |publisher=Bournemouth Daily Echo |date=6 March 2016 |access-date=10 November 2016 }} Upon his release from Bradford's youth system Whitfield joined the Silsden under-19 side,{{cite web |url=http://www.keighleykicks.co.uk/2014/02/20/transfer-is-a-bowl-of-cherries-for-ben/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805023829/http://www.keighleykicks.co.uk/2014/02/20/transfer-is-a-bowl-of-cherries-for-ben/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=5 August 2017 |title=Transfer is a bowl of Cherries for Ben |publisher=Keighley Kicks |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=10 November 2016 }} before signing for the Guiseley academy.{{cite web |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10980209.Guiseley_midfielder_Whitfield_seals_switch_to_Bournemouth/ |title=Guiseley midfielder Ben Whitfield seals switch to Bournemouth |publisher=Telegraph & Argus |date=6 February 2014 |access-date=10 November 2016 }} On 3 December 2013, Whitfield made his debut for Guiseley in a 2–1 victory over Selby Town in the quarter-finals of the West Riding County Cup.{{cite web |url=http://guiseleyafc.co.uk/first-team-news/lions-edge-past-robins-into-semis/ |title=Lions edge past Robins into semis |publisher=Guiseley A.F.C. |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=10 November 2016 }} Two weeks later he joined Huddersfield Town on trial.{{cite news|last1=Jackson|first1=Andrew|title=Huddersfield Town take teenage Guiseley midfielder Ben Whitfield on trial|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/huddersfield-town-take-teenage-guiseley-6413421|access-date=4 August 2017|work=Huddersfield Examiner|date=17 December 2013}}
=Bournemouth=
In January 2014, Whitfield signed for Championship side AFC Bournemouth on an 18-month contract.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25983604 |title=Yann Kermorgant: Bournemouth sign Charlton striker |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2014 |access-date=28 August 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.afcb.co.uk/news/article/2014-01-31-cherries-snap-up-prospect-whitfield-1329904.aspx |title=Cherries snap up prospect Whitfield |publisher=A.F.C. Bournemouth |date=31 January 2014 |access-date=28 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910230247/http://www.afcb.co.uk/news/article/2014-01-31-cherries-snap-up-prospect-whitfield-1329904.aspx |archive-date=2016-09-10 |url-status=dead }} Having been linked to a number of Premier League and English Football League clubs, Whitfield stated that manager Eddie Howe "was a big part of why I decided to come down here because of the way he coaches and his teams play".{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Ben Whitfield makes move to Bournemouth|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11743/9143660/transfer-news-ben-whitfield-makes-move-to-bournemouth|access-date=4 August 2017|work=Sky Sports|date=31 January 2014|language=en}}
==Kidderminster Harriers loan==
On 12 October 2015, Whitfield joined National League side Kidderminster Harriers on an initial one-month loan.{{cite web |url=http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/sport/13842118.HARRIERS_add_more_young_guns/ |title=Harriers add more young guns |publisher=The Shuttle |date=12 October 2015 |access-date=10 November 2016 }} He was signed by football development director Colin Gordon shortly before the arrival of new manager Dave Hockaday.{{cite news|title=Colin Gordon and Dave Hockaday will collaborate over player signings|url=http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/sport/harriers/13873198.Colin_Gordon_and_Dave_Hockaday_will_collaborate_over_player_signings/|access-date=4 August 2017|work=Kidderminster Shuttle|date=16 October 2015|language=en}} Whitfield quickly made an impression at Aggborough, and made a goalscoring debut the following day for Kidderminster in a 2–2 draw at Altrincham.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34450942 |title=Altrincham 2–2 Kidderminster Harriers |publisher=BBC Sport |date=13 October 2016 |access-date=10 November 2016 }} The loan deal was extended into the new year, and Whitfield said he appreciated the support shown to him by Harriers fans.{{cite news|title=Kidderminster Harriers: Ben Whitfield delighted by fans' reaction|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34836868|access-date=4 August 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=17 November 2015}} On 15 February, his loan deal was extended until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Kidderminster Harriers: Whitfield, Fane & Ngwatala agree deals|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35582895|access-date=4 August 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=15 February 2016}} He also signed a new one-year contract with Bournemouth.{{cite news|last1=Mitchell|first1=Andy|title=AFC Bournemouth: Ben Whitfield and Jack Simpson handed new deals|url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/14324797.AFC_Bournemouth__Ben_Whitfield_and_Jack_Simpson_handed_new_deals/|access-date=8 January 2018|work=Bournemouth Echo|date=6 March 2016|language=en}} Whitfield scored a total of six goals in 31 appearances whilst on loan for Kidderminster, but although he could not help them avoid relegation at the end of the 2015–16 season, his performances earned him the club's Player of the Year and the Supporters Player of the Year awards.{{Soccerbase season|id=88392|season=2015|accessdate=1 July 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ytfc.net/ben-whitfield-joins-from-afc-bournemouth/ |title=Ben Whitfield joins from AFC Bournemouth |publisher=Yeovil Town F.C. |date=25 August 2016 |access-date=10 November 2016 }}
==Yeovil Town loan==
On 25 August 2016, Whitfield joined League Two side Yeovil Town on loan until January 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37189923 |title=Izale McLeod: Yeovil Town sign striker and Bournemouth's Ben Whitfield |publisher=BBC Sport |date=25 August 2016 |access-date=27 August 2016 }} He made his Football League debut two days later as a second-half substitute in a 4–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37139341 |title=Doncaster Rovers 4–1 Yeovil Town |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 August 2016 |access-date=27 August 2016 }} He scored his first goal for Yeovil at Stevenage on 12 November, when his stoppage-time volley was enough to salvage a point in a 2–2 draw.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37881317 |title=Stevenage 2-2 Yeovil |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 November 2016 |access-date=12 December 2016}} On 5 January, Whitfield and his fellow Bournemouth loanee Matt Butcher's loans were extended until the end of the 2016–17 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38520319 |title=Yeovil Town: Bournemouth pair Ben Whitfield and Matt Butcher extend loan deals |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 January 2017 |access-date=5 January 2017 }} He received the first booking of his career on 1 April, when he was dismissed for an elbow on Tom Miller in a 2–0 defeat to Carlisle United at Huish Park.{{cite news|title=Yeovil Town 0-2 Carlisle United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39389860|access-date=4 August 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=1 April 2017}} Manager Darren Way said that the sending off would prove to be a learning curve for the player.{{cite news|title=Whtfield will learn from dismissal - Way|url=https://www.ytfc.net/news/2017/april/whitfield-will-learn-from-dismissal---way/|access-date=4 August 2017|work=ytfc.net|date=7 April 2017|language=en-gb}} Whitfield scored three goals from 42 appearances across the 2016–17 campaign as the "Glovers" posted a 20th-place finish.
=Port Vale=
On 4 August 2017, Whitfield joined League Two side Port Vale on loan until January 2018.{{cite news|title=Port Vale sign Michael Tonge and agree loan for Bournemouth winger Ben Whitfield|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40826208|access-date=4 August 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=4 August 2017}} He maintained a first-team place under Michael Brown's stewardship, and held on to his place under new manager Neil Aspin, and his well-taken volley secured Aspin his first win as "Valiants" manager in a 3–1 victory over Cheltenham Town at Vale Park on 14 October; the goal was later shortlisted for the League Two goal of the month award.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Ben Whitfield determined to make a name for himself at Port Vale|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/ben-whitfield-determined-make-name-631187|access-date=16 October 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=15 October 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Port Vale boss Neil Aspin keen to extend Ben Whitfield's loan from Bournemouth|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/neil-aspin-keen-extend-ben-790088|access-date=17 November 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=17 November 2017}} However, he injured his ankle seven days later in a 1–0 win at Exeter City and was ruled out of action for five weeks.{{cite news|last1=Spinks|first1=Martin|title=Port Vale blow as impressive youngster is ruled out|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-hit-ben-whitfield-674071|access-date=24 October 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=24 October 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Peter|title=Vale star Ben Whitfield expected to be out for more than a month|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-injury-blow-ben-685179|access-date=26 October 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=26 October 2017}} Despite interest from other clubs, his loan at Port Vale was extended until the end of the 2017–18 season after the club's initial transfer offer of around £35,000 was not completed.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Port Vale player ratings 2017/18: How ALL the Valiants' 39 players ranked|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gallery/port-vale-player-ratings-1549282|access-date=10 May 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=10 May 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Wales|first1=Keith|title=Port Vale confirm new loan deal for Premier League youngster|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-sign-ben-whitfield-1015435|access-date=5 January 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=5 January 2018}} However, by his own admission he was unable to live up to the high standards he set in December, describing his form as "inconsistent" in the second half of the campaign.{{cite news|last1=McLellan|first1=Max|title=Ben Whitfield: "I need to find the form I found in December"|url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2018/february/ben-whitfield-i-need-to-find-the-form-i-found-in-december/|access-date=18 March 2018|work=port-vale.co.uk|date=8 February 2018|language=en-gb}} On 30 March, he scored the winning goal in a crucial 2–1 home victory over Chesterfield.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Ben Whitfield's message to Port Vale fans as he leaves club |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-whitfields-message-port-vale-3280690 |access-date=3 September 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=3 September 2019}} He was offered a new contract by Bournemouth in May 2018.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=Former Port Vale loan player Ben Whitfield offered new Bournemouth deal|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/ben-whitfield-bournemouth-port-vale-1589171|access-date=21 May 2018|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=20 May 2018}}
On 30 August 2018, Whitfield signed a two-year contract with Port Vale.{{cite news |title=Ben Whitfield & Lewis Hardcastle: Port Vale add youngsters to squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45359000 |access-date=30 August 2018 |work=BBC Sport |date=30 August 2018}} Aspin said that the deal to sign Whitfield in January had fallen through due to the player's agent, adding that: "He's changed his agent now and in football and in life you've got to give people another chance."{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Peter |title=Vale double transfer swoop as Whitfield returns and Hardcastle arrives |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/port-vale-transfer-whitfield-hardcastle-1952834 |access-date=30 August 2018 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=30 August 2018}} He was in and out of the first-team as he struggled for consistency under both Aspin and new manager John Askey, and ended the 2018–19 season on the transfer-list after he scored four goals in 33 appearances.{{cite news |last1=Sherwin |first1=Phil |title=From local heroes who impressed to lost boys: Port Vale class of 2018/19 rated |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-player-ratings-201819-2885390 |access-date=19 May 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=19 May 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Ben Whitfield and Connell Rawlinson told they can leave Port Vale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-whitfield-connell-rawlinson-told-2893062 |access-date=22 May 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=22 May 2019}} In July 2019 he went on trial at Cheltenham Town.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale's Ben Whitfield given chance to impress by League Two rivals |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vales-ben-whitfield-given-3153148 |access-date=30 July 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=30 July 2019}} His contract with Port Vale was terminated by mutual consent on 3 September.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Ben Whitfield leaves Port Vale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-whitfield-bournemouth-port-vale-3278455 |access-date=3 September 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=3 September 2019}} The player's agent, Dan Fletcher, took to Twitter to say that "Sometimes you have to do everything you can to get a player away from a manager, even if that means taking a step back to go several steps forward".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale boss responds to agent's criticism after Ben Whitfield's exit |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-whitfield-port-vale-torquay-3285739 |access-date=4 September 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=4 September 2019}}
=Torquay United=
After leaving Port Vale, Whitfield immediately signed for National League club Torquay United.{{cite web |url=https://torquayunited.com/signing-ben-whitfield-signs-for-united/ |title=Ben Whitfield Signs For United |publisher=Torquay United F.C. |date=3 September 2019 |access-date=3 September 2019 }} He scored seven goals in 32 appearances for the "Gulls" in the 2019–20 season, which was permanently suspended on 26 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England, with United in 15th-place.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52381612 |title=National League clubs vote to end regular season immediately |newspaper=BBC Sport |access-date=22 March 2020}} He won the club's Player of the Year award and was described as "a great asset to the squad" by manager Gary Johnson.{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Dave |title=Player of Year Ben says Torquay United move was 'best in career' |url=https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/home/player-of-year-ben-says-torquay-united-move-was-best-in-career-1-6750597 |access-date=23 August 2020 |work=torbayweekly.co.uk }} He scored six goals from 33 appearances in the 2020–21 season, but ended the campaign injured and was not in the matchday squad for the play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United.{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=Guy |last2=Hughes |first2=Richard |title=The Torquay United Yellow Army Podcast helps you work, rest and play |url=https://www.devonlive.com/sport/torquay-united-yellow-army-podcast-5488830 |access-date=20 June 2021 |work=DevonLive |date=2021-06-03 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Pilnick |first1=Brent |title=Hartlepool seal dramatic EFL return |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57457835 |access-date=20 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=20 June 2021}} He was linked with a move to Swindon Town, but denied rumours that he had rejected Torquay's offer of a new contract.{{cite news |last1=Leighfield |first1=Jonathan |title=Torquay forward has his say on rumours linking him with move to Town |url=https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/19377399.ben-whitfield-says-not-turned-torquay-united-contract-linked-swindon-town/ |access-date=20 June 2021 |work=Swindon Advertiser |date=16 June 2021 |language=en}}
=Stockport County=
On 7 July 2021, Whitfield signed a two-year deal with National League club Stockport County.{{cite news |title=Whitfield becomes first Summer signing |url=https://www.stockportcounty.com/whitfield-becomes-first-summer-signing/ |access-date=7 July 2021 |work=Stockport County |date=6 July 2021}} Two troublesome injuries meant that he was limited to eight league starts in the 2021–22 campaign, scoring three goals from nineteen appearances in all competitions as Dave Challinor's "Hatters" secured promotion into the Football League as champions of the National League.{{cite news |title=Whitfield joins Barrow |url=https://www.stockportcounty.com/whitfield-joins-barrow/ |access-date=22 July 2022 |work=Stockport County |date=21 July 2022}}
=Barrow=
On 21 July 2022, Whitfield signed for League Two club Barrow on a two-year deal; he joined on a free transfer, with Stockport retaining a sell-on fee.{{cite web|url=https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2022/july/210722-barrow-make-move-for-ben-whitfield/|title=Barrow Make Move For Ben Whitfield|website=www.barrowafc.com|date=21 July 2022|accessdate=21 July 2022}}{{cite news |title=Barrow sign Stockport winger Whitfield |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62253820 |access-date=22 July 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 July 2022}} He was nominated for League Two's Player of the Month award for August after starting his time at Holker Street with four assists and one "superb solo" goal against Bradford City.{{cite news |title=Ben Whitfield Nominated For Player Of The Month |url=https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2022/september/060922-ben-whitfield-nominated-for-player-of-the-month/ |access-date=10 May 2023 |work=www.barrowafc.com |date=6 September 2022 |language=en-gb}} He played 51 of the club's 53 matches throughout the 2022–23 campaign, scoring six goals and providing twelve league assists.{{cite web |title=Ben Whitfield Stats - Goals, xG, Assists & xA {{!}} FootyStats |url=https://footystats.org/players/england/ben-whitfield |website=footystats.org |access-date=10 May 2023 |language=en}} He missed August 2023 with an Achilles issue.{{cite news |last1=O'Hara |first1=Matthew |title=AFC player set for injury lay-off until 'end of the month' |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/23714761.ben-whitfield-set-injury-lay-off-end-month/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=The Mail |date=11 August 2023 |language=en}} Manager Pete Wild began to play him as a striker. Whitfield adapted well to the new role, winning a nomination for the EFL League Two Player of the Month Award after he scored four goals in December.{{cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Gary |title=Barrow AFC's Ben Whitfield enjoying playing up front |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/24013583.barrow-afcs-ben-whitfield-relishing-switch-striker/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=The Mail |date=28 December 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=O'Hara |first1=Matthew |title=In-form AFC forward nominated for Player of the Month Award |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/24036739.in-form-barrow-afc-forward-nominated-player-month-award/ |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=The Mail |date=9 January 2024 |language=en}} He scored 11 goals in 40 games during the 2023–24 season and entered discussions over a new contract.{{Cite web |date=1 May 2024 |title=James Chester: Barrow offer new deal to defender as 10 released |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy73yl29llno |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} During his time at Holker Street, Whitfield became widely known amongst supporters as 'Tricky Ben', a nickname derived from a chant, reflecting his speed and agility on the field.{{cite news |title=Pete Wild pleased with Barrow's home performance - cumbriacrack.com |url=https://cumbriacrack.com/2022/08/17/pete-wild-pleased-with-barrows-home-performance/ |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=https://cumbriacrack.com/ |date=17 August 2022}}
=Burton Albion=
On 18 June 2024, Whitfield agreed on a two-year deal with League One club Burton Albion.{{cite news |title=Ben Whitfield: Burton Albion sign midfielder from Barrow |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce44ell28q7o |access-date=20 June 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 June 2024}} He said he was excited to play at a higher level than he had previously done in his career.{{cite news |title=Ben Whitfield Set To Sign For Burton Albion |url=https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/1806-signing/ |access-date=20 June 2024 |work=Burton Albion |date=18 June 2024 |language=en-gb}} On 3 February 2025, he rejoined Barrow on loan until the end of the 2024–25 season having scored three goals in 30 appearances for the "Brewers".{{cite news |title=Ben Whitfield: Barrow re-sign winger on loan from Burton Albion |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c4g35wrp71ro |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 February 2025}} He had found playing hard to come by after Gary Bowyer replaced Mark Robinson and Tom Hounsell as head coach.{{cite news |last1=Moorhouse |first1=Jimmy |title=Ben Whitfield returns to Barrow on loan from Burton Albion |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/24906860.deadline-day-ben-whitfield-returns-barrow-burton/ |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Mail |date=3 February 2025 |language=en}} On 8 March, he provided his thrid assist of the season in a 2–0 home victory over Accrington Stanley, making five assists in the match, he was named on the EFL Team of the Week.{{cite news |title=See who made WhoScored's EFL Team of the Week |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2025/march/10/see-who-made-whoscored-s-efl-team-of-the-week/ |access-date=6 April 2025 |work=EFL |date=10 March 2025 |language=en}} He scored two goals in 17 games for Barrow.
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 3 May 2025}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
Stockport County
- National League: 2021–22{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/tournaments/tournament.sd?tourn_id=1852 |title=National League: 2021/22: Current table |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=15 May 2022}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=2473&teamTabs=stats&season_id=154 |title=Stockport: Squad details: 2021/22 |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=15 May 2022}}
Individual
- Kidderminster Harriers Player of the Year: 2015–16
- Torquay United Player of the Year: 2019–20
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{soccerbase|88392|Ben Whitfield}}
{{Burton Albion F.C. squad}}
{{Torquay United F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Whitfield, Ben}}
Category:Sportspeople from Bingley
Category:Footballers from West Yorkshire
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Men's association football wingers
Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players
Category:Silsden A.F.C. players
Category:Guiseley A.F.C. players
Category:AFC Bournemouth players
Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players
Category:Yeovil Town F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Torquay United F.C. players
Category:Stockport County F.C. players
Category:Barrow A.F.C. players
Category:Burton Albion F.C. players
Category:National League (English football) players