*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11:58, 8 February 2023 (UTC)
Rhys Gordon Bennett (born 1 September 1991) is an English professional footballer who is currently without a club. He plays as a central defender, although he has also been deployed in defensive midfield, and as a full-back.
Club career
Bolton Wanderers
Bennett started his professional career at Bolton Wanderers, regularly playing in the reserve side and wearing the captain's armband on occasions.[2] Having not made an appearance for the first team he was sent out on loan to Falkirk in July 2011 by manager Owen Coyle.
Falkirk (loan)
On 6 July 2011, it was announced that Falkirk had signed Bennett on a six-month loan,[3] which was extended until the end of the season on 9 January 2012.[4] Bennett made his debut on 23 July 2011, scoring a 26th-minute opener against Brechin City in the 1st round of the Scottish Challenge Cup.[5]
He made his league debut on 6 August 2011 in a 1–0 loss against Raith Rovers.[6]
On 11 June 2012, Rochdale announced that Bennett had signed a one-year contract at the club effective on 1 July 2012.[8] He made his debut on 4 September in a 2–2 draw against Fleetwood Town in the Football League Trophy. The game went to a penalty shoot-out which Rochdale won 4–2 and progressed to the second round.[9] He made his league debut on 15 September in a 2–1 win away to AFC Wimbledon.[10]
He scored his first goal for the club on 1 December, in a 3–2 defeat to York City.[11]
On 12 November 2020, Bennett joined Carlisle United on a short-term deal until January 2021.[15] On 5 January 2021, Bennett signed an extended deal to remain at the club until the end of the 2020–21 season.[16] Bennett rejected a new offer from the Cumbrian club at the end of the season.[17]
Gillingham
Bennett signed for EFL League One side Gillingham on 23 July 2021.[18] He made his debut for the Gills on the opening day of the 2021–22 season in a 1–1 home draw to Lincoln City on 7 August 2021.[19]
Morecambe
Having reached a mutual agreement with Gillingham to terminate his contract, Bennett signed for fellow EFL League One side Morecambe on 28 January 2022.[20] He made his league debut for the Lancashire side the next day, appearing as a 28th minute substitute in a 2–2 away draw to Accrington Stanley.[21] Bennett was released by the club at the end of the season.[22]
Rochdale
On 28 January 2023, Bennett returned to Rochdale signing a contract till the end of the 2022-2023 season.[23]
Career statistics
As of match played 4 February 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition