Richie Bennett

Bennett joined the youth team at Oldham Athletic at the age of ten and left Boundary Park five years later.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Who is Richie Bennett? All about Port Vale's new signing |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richie-bennett-port-vale-signed-2962316 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=21 June 2019}} He went on to make his debut in the Manchester League for Springhead at the age of 16. He moved on to Curzon Ashton the next year, before being signed to Northern Premier League Division One North side Mossley in November 2013.{{cite news |title=Three to Watch: Barrow |url=https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2016/december/three-to-watch-barrow-a.f.c-/ |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=www.bristolrovers.co.uk |date=2 December 2016 |language=en-gb}}{{cite web |title=Richard Bennett |url=http://www.mossleyweb.com/PlayerProfiles201314/RichardBennettProfile.html |website=www.mossleyweb.com |accessdate=21 June 2019}} He scored eight goals in 22 games during the second half of the 2013–14 season.{{cite web |title=2013/14 |url=http://www.mossleyweb.com/Statsyearbyyear/201314.htm |website=www.mossleyweb.com |accessdate=21 June 2019}} He signed with Northwich Victoria, where he was christened "Richie" by manager Jim Gannon, having previously only been known as Richard or Rich.{{cite news |title=Bennett wants his goals to propel Barrow AFC to promotion |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/barrow-afc/16456720.bennett-wants-his-goals-to-propel-barrow-afc-to-promotion/ |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=The Mail |date=24 May 2016 |language=en}} He scored 44 goals in two seasons with the "Vics" and helped them to win the 2014 Cheshire Senior Cup. During his time playing as an amateur and semi-professional he worked in customer sales for Marks & Spencer, in a call centre and also a spell as a care assistant working with dementia sufferers. He also became a father at the age of 17.{{cite news |last1=Bugby |first1=Tony |title=Former Mossley striker relishing late chance to play in the Football League |url=http://www.mossleycorrespondent.co.uk/?p=2268 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=Mossley Correspondent |date=8 September 2017}}

On 17 May 2016, Bennett signed a two-year contract at National League club Barrow.{{cite news |title=Barrow AFC new boy Richie can't wait to strike up goal-scoring partnerships |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/barrow-afc/16456436.barrow-afc-new-boy-richie-cant-wait-to-strike-up-goal-scoring-partnerships/ |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=The Mail |date=24 May 2016 |language=en}} It was reported that he opted to go to Holker Street ahead of competition from League Two clubs.{{cite news |title=Barrow AFC beat off competition from League Two clubs to sign Bennett |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/raiders/16456970.barrow-afc-beat-off-competition-from-league-two-clubs-to-sign-bennett/ |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=The Mail |date=12 May 2016 |language=en}} He went on to score 22 goals in 53 games as Paul Cox's "Bluebirds" finished the 2016–17 season in seventh-position, just missing out on the play-offs.

On 25 July 2017, 26-year-old Bennett signed for Football League side Carlisle United for an undisclosed fee (later reported to be £50,000) on a two-year contract.{{cite news|last=Bennett|first=Richie|title=Richie Bennett: Carlisle United sign Barrow striker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40723519|accessdate=29 July 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 July 2017}} Bennett stated that "I think I'm ready for the step up... I've still got a lot to prove, a lot to learn but I'm more than willing to get my head down and do it."{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett: Carlisle United striker ready for challenge of EFL |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40728334 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2017}} On 30 September, he was one of three players sent off in a 1–0 defeat at Crawley Town; he was shown a straight red card for elbowing defender Josh Yorwerth.{{cite news |title=Crawley Town 0-1 Carlisle United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41370057 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |date=30 September 2017}} It took him 15 games before he scored for the "Cumbrians", but credited the support of his teammates and manager Keith Curle in helping him to break his scoring duck.{{cite news |last1=Bugby |first1=Tony |title=Latics knocked out of the cup by former Mossley player Richie Bennett |url=http://www.mossleycorrespondent.co.uk/?p=2846 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=Mossley Correspondent |date=12 November 2017}} His first goal for the club came on 28 October, in a 2–2 draw at Chesterfield.{{cite news |title=Chesterfield vs Carlisle United on 28 Oct 17 - Match Centre - Carlisle United |url=https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/matches/fixtures/first-team/201718/october/chesterfield-vs-carlisle-united-on-28-oct-17/ |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=www.carlisleunited.co.uk |date=28 October 2017}} On 4 November, he scored a brace in a 3–2 FA Cup victory over former club Oldham.{{cite news |title=Carlisle United 3-2 Oldham Athletic |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41785299 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 November 2017}} He ended the 2017–18 season with eight goals in 47 appearances.

Having been limited to 13 league starts by new manager John Sheridan, Bennett signed for Morecambe on loan for the rest of the 2018–19 season on 17 January 2019; "Shrimps" boss Jim Bentley admitted he had been monitoring the player for some years.{{cite news|last=Bennett|first=Richie|title=Richie Bennett: Morecambe sign Richie Bennett on loan striker|url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2019/january/richie-bennett-loan/|accessdate=17 January 2019|publisher=Morecambe F.C.|date=17 January 2019}}{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett: Carlisle United striker joins Morecambe on loan for rest of the season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46911716 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2019}} David Holdsworth, director of football at the "Blues", said that Carlisle would monitor his progress and still retained the option of extending his contract at Brunton Park in the summer.{{cite news |last1=Colman |first1=Jon |title=Richie Bennett could still have future at Carlisle Utd if he impresses at Morecambe |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/17368390.richie-bennett-could-still-have-future-at-carlisle-utd-if-he-impresses-at-morecambe/ |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=News and Star |date=18 January 2019 |language=en}} He scored five goals in 16 games at the Globe Arena, however, was not retained at the end of the season by new Carlisle manager Steven Pressley.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48178768|title=Carlisle United release eight players after League Two season completed|date=6 May 2019|accessdate=8 May 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}

On 21 June 2019, Bennett signed a two-year contract with League Two side Port Vale.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale sign former Carlisle United and Morecambe striker Richie Bennett |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-richie-bennett-carlisle-2961478 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=21 June 2019}}{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett: Port Vale sign ex-Carlisle United striker on two-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48716866 |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2019}} Manager John Askey said that he hoped having Bennett available to him would take pressure off star striker Tom Pope.{{cite news |last1=McLellan |first1=Max |title=Richie Bennett agrees to sign for the Vale |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2019/june/richie-bennett-agrees-to-sign-for-the-vale/ |accessdate=23 June 2019 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=21 June 2019 |language=en-gb}} He scored his first goal for the "Valiants" on 17 August, three minutes after coming on for Pope in a 1–1 draw at Salford City.{{cite news |title=Salford City 1-1 Port Vale |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49302563 |accessdate=19 August 2019 |work=BBC Sport |date=17 August 2019}} Three days later he was given his first start for the club and this time scored after four minutes in what ended as a 2–1 victory over Forest Green Rovers at Vale Park.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale 2, Forest Green 1: Report as Vale claim first win in style |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-forest-green-report-3232639 |accessdate=21 August 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=20 August 2019}} He lost his first-team spot in late-November to Pope and then Mark Cullen, before scoring a brace in a 3–1 home win over Exeter City on 28 January in what was his second league start in two months; despite this achievement Bennett admitted that "it probably wasn't my best performance. I have a lot to improve, I know that myself".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Goal hero Richie Bennett determined to improve with Port Vale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/port-vale-richie-bennett-goals-3789696 |accessdate=31 January 2020 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=29 January 2020}} He left the club mid-way through the 2019–20 season after scoring seven goals from 30 games.{{cite news |title=Bennett departs for Stockport |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2020/march/bennett-transfer |accessdate=13 March 2020 |work = Port Vale F.C. |date=12 March 2020 |language=en-gb}}

On 12 March 2020, Bennett signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Stockport County after being sold for an undisclosed fee, who were just outside the National League play-offs under former Northwich manager Jim Gannon.{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title='An opportunity I couldn't refuse' - Port Vale sell striker to Stockport |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-richie-bennett-stockport-3945250 |accessdate=13 March 2020 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=12 March 2020}} He found himself out of the team after Simon Rusk replaced Gannon as the manager in January 2021.{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett joins Hartlepool on loan |url=https://www.stockportcounty.com/richie-bennett-joins-hartlepool-on-loan/ |access-date=2 April 2021 |work=Stockport County |date=1 April 2021}}

On 1 April 2021, Bennett signed on loan for National League rivals Hartlepool United until the end of the 2020–21 season.{{cite news |last1=United |first1=Hartlepool |title=Pools Sign Richie Bennett |url=https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/pools-sign-richie-bennett/ |accessdate=1 April 2021 |work=Hartlepool United FC |date=1 April 2021}} Bennett made his debut the following day as a substitute in a 2–1 win against Dagenham & Redbridge.{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/match-report-a-good-friday-for-pools/ |title=MATCH REPORT - A GOOD FRIDAY FOR POOLS |publisher=Hartlepool United FC |date=2 April 2021 |accessdate=2 April 2021}} Bennett scored his first goal for Hartlepool in the following match as a substitute in a 2–2 draw at Boreham Wood.{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/match-report-pools-come-from-behind-twice-to-take-a-point-at-boreham-wood/ |title=Match Report: Pools come from behind twice to take a point at Boreham Wood |publisher=Hartlepool United FC |date=5 April 2021 |accessdate=5 April 2021}} Bennett earned a start for the next match against Notts County and scored his second goal for Hartlepool in a 2–0 win.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56622177 |title=Hartlepool United 2-0 Notts County |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 April 2021 |accessdate=10 April 2021}} The following week, Bennett scored a hat-trick in a 7–2 victory at Wealdstone.{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/match-report-a-monumental-day-at-wealdstone/ |title=MATCH REPORT: A MONUMENTAL DAY AT WEALDSTONE |publisher=Hartlepool United FC |date=17 April 2021 |access-date=17 April 2021}} He was recalled to Stockport on 28 April.{{cite news |last1=Scurr |first1=Dominic |title=Hartlepool United confirm Richie Bennett recall to Stockport County |url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united-confirm-richie-bennett-recall-to-stockport-county-3217189 |access-date=30 April 2021 |work=Hartlepool Mail |date=28 April 2021 |language=en}} He played for Stockport against Hartlepool in the play-off semi-finals and had a late header saved in a 1–0 defeat at Edgeley Park.{{cite news |title=Hartlepool edge Stockport in semi-final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57373050 |access-date=15 June 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 June 2021}} Hartlepool went on to win the play-off final and Bennett had his contract with Stockport cancelled in June.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57457835 |title=National League promotion final: Hartlepool United 1-1 Torquay United (aet) - Pools win 5-4 on penalties as Gulls keeper scores late equaliser |author=Brent Pilnick |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 June 2021 |access-date=24 June 2021}}{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett contract cancelled |url=https://www.stockportcounty.com/richie-bennett-contract-cancelled/ |access-date=25 June 2021 |work=Stockport County |date=2021-06-25}}

On 9 July 2021, Bennett signed a contract of undisclosed length with newly-promoted League Two club Sutton United.{{cite news |title=Sutton bring in striker Bennett |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57782399 |access-date=10 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 July 2021}} He scored both the "U's" goals in a 2–1 win over Stevenage at Gander Green Lane on 11 September, which was Sutton's first victory in the English Football League.{{cite news |title=Sutton beat Stevenage for first EFL win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58444824 |access-date=14 September 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=11 September 2021}} On 23 October, he was sent off for a stamp on Rochdale's Jake Beesley in a 3–2 away defeat.{{cite news |title=Rochdale 3-2 Sutton United |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58936182 |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=BBC Sport}} Matt Gray's "U's" finished the League Two campaign one place outside the play-offs, with Bennett scoring six league goals from 22 starts and 16 substitute appearances. He also played in all eight games of Sutton's run to the final of the EFL Trophy at Wembley Stadium, and scored a penalty in the shoot-out victory over Wigan Athletic in the semi-finals.{{cite news |last1=Beardmore |first1=Michael |title=Sutton beat Wigan to reach Trophy final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60665117 |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2022}} He played in the final, coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Omar Bugiel with Sutton leading 2–1; however, Rotherham United equalised deep into stoppage time and won the match 4–2 in extra-time.{{cite news |last1=Peddy |first1=Chris |title=Rotherham beat Sutton after extra time to win EFL Trophy |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60973705 |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2022}}

On 27 June 2022, Bennett returned to Barrow – now in League Two and managed by Pete Wild – on a two-year contract after being signed for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett Returns To Barrow |url=https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2022/june/230622-richie-bennett-returns-to-barrow/ |access-date=27 June 2022 |work=Barrow A.F.C. |date=27 June 2022 |language=en-gb}} However, he picked up an injury during pre-season. He was sidelined until November.{{cite news |title=Bennett Joins The Iron On Loan |url=https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2023/march/020323-bennett-joins-the-iron-on-loan/ |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=www.barrowafc.com |date=2 March 2023 |language=en-gb}} Bennett left Barrow by mutual consent on 31 July 2023.{{cite news |title=Loan Watch: Richie Bennett Leaves The Club|url=https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2023/july/richie-bennett-leaves-the-club/ |access-date=3 August 2023 |work=Barrow AFC |date=31 July 2023 |language=en}}

On 2 March 2023, Bennett joined National League club Scunthorpe United on loan until the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2023/march/iron-sign-richie-bennett-on-loan-from-barrow/|title=Iron sign Richie Bennett on loan from Barrow|website=www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk|date=2 March 2023|accessdate=2 March 2023}} Scunthorpe had recently underwent a takeover and signed eleven new players.{{cite news |last1=Colman |first1=Jon |title=Ex-Blues: Former Carlisle United striker leaves Cumbria in loan move |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23358077.scunthorpe-united-loan-ex-carlisle-united-striker-barrow-afc/ |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=News and Star |date=2 March 2023 |language=en}} He scored one goal in nine games, his sole goal coming in a 2–0 win over Altrincham at Glanford Park, as Scunthorpe were relegated to the National League North.{{cite news |last1=O'Hara |first1=Matthew |title=Loan Watch: Richie Bennett on target for struggling Scunthorpe United |url=https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/23371690.loan-watch-richie-bennett-target-struggling-scunthorpe-united/ |access-date=1 May 2023 |work=The Mail |date=8 March 2023 |language=en}}

On 4 September 2023, Bennett signed a contract with Scunthorpe to run until the end of the 2023–24 season.{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett Returns To The Iron As Three Depart |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2023/september/richie-bennett-returns-to-the-iron-as-three-depart/ |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=Scunthorpe United F.C. |date=4 September 2023 |language=en-gb|last1=Moody|first1=James}} He said that he had a point to prove at the club and felt that there was different vibe to the club.{{cite news |last1=Moody |first1=James |title=Richie Bennett on aiming to prove a point on his Iron return |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2023/september/richie-bennett-on-aiming-to-prove-a-point-on-his-iron-return/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk |date=8 September 2023 |language=en-gb}} He made three appearances without scoring, though did score a goal in a further appearance against Buxton which was expunged following the game's abandonment.{{cite news |last1=Moody |first1=James |title=Richie Bennett joins Southport on three-month loan |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2023/november/richie-bennett-joins-southport-on-three-month-loan/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk |date=7 November 2023 |language=en-gb}} On 7 November 2023, he joined National League North rivals Southport on a three-month loan deal.{{cite web|url=https://southportfc.net/richie-bennett-signs-on-loan-from-scunthorpe/|title=Richie Bennett Signs On Loan|website=southportfc.net|date=7 November 2023|accessdate=8 November 2023}} He scored eight goals in 28 league games for Southport in the 2023–24 campaign. Scunthorpe released him at the end of the 2023–24 season.{{cite web |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2024/may/iron-retained-list-2023-24/ |title=Iron retained list 2023-24 |publisher=Scunthorpe United |date=10 May 2024 |accessdate=21 June 2024}}

On 25 June 2024, Bennett joined National League North side Scarborough Athletic.{{cite web |url=https://www.scarboroughathletic.com/news/new-signing-richie-bennett-2024-06-24-120038 |title=New Signing- Richie Bennett |publisher=Scarborough Athletic |date=25 June 2024 |accessdate=6 July 2024}} He scored 10 goals in 45 appearances across the 2024–25 campaign.

Standing at {{height|m=1.93}}, Bennett is a hard-working forward who is good in the air. Describing his own game, he said that "I would like to say I'm aggressive, quick - one of them annoying strikers that doesn't really give you time to think about what you are doing on the ball".{{cite news |title=Richie Bennett: 'If I have even a similar season to what I had last season, then it will be a very good season for myself and Carlisle Utd' |url=https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/football/carlisle-united/16751488.richie-bennett-if-i-have-even-a-similar-season-to-what-i-had-last-season-then-it-will-be-a-very-good-season-for-myself-and-carlisle-utd/ |accessdate=21 June 2019 |work=News and Star |date=27 July 2017 |language=en}}

{{Updated|match played 26 April 2025}}

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

Northwich Victoria

• Cheshire Senior Cup: 2013–14

Sutton United

• EFL Trophy runner-up: 2021–22

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bennett, Richie}}

Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Oldham

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players

Category:Curzon Ashton F.C. players

Category:Mossley A.F.C. players

Category:Northwich Victoria F.C. players

Category:Barrow A.F.C. players

Category:Carlisle United F.C. players

Category:Port Vale F.C. players

Category:Stockport County F.C. players

Category:Hartlepool United F.C. players

Category:Sutton United F.C. players

Category:Scunthorpe United F.C. players

Category:Southport F.C. players

Category:Scarborough Athletic F.C. players

Category:Manchester Football League players

Category:Northern Premier League players

Category:National League (English football) players

Category:English Football League players

Category:21st-century English sportsmen