Rhys Bennett

Rhys Gordon Bennett (born 1 September 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays for EFL League One side Gillingham. He primarily plays as a central defender, although he has also been deployed in defensive midfield, and as a full-back.

Born in Bolton, Lancashire, he began his career as a youth player with Radcliffe Borough, before moving to Bolton Wanderers. He went professional in 2009, spending three years with Bolton, where he regularly played in the club's reserve side, but he failed to make the first team and was sent out on loan to Falkirk in July 2011. Bennett stayed at Falkirk throughout the 2011/12 campaign, making 25 appearances for the club in all competitions. In the summer of 2012, Bennett made a permanent transfer to then-League Two side Rochdale, where he has notably made over 100 league appearances.

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. 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, which was extended until the end of the season on 9 January 2012. Bennett made his debut on 23 July 2011, scoring a 26th-minute opener against Brechin City in the Scottish Challenge Cup.

He made his league debut on 6 August in a 1–0 loss against Raith Rovers.

Rochdale

On 11 June 2012, Rochdale announced that Bennett had signed a one-year contract at the club effective on 1 July 2012. 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. He made his league debut on 15 September in a 2–1 win away to AFC Wimbledon.

He scored his fi