Paul Bennett (footballer, born 1961)

Paul Bennett (born 30 January 1961) is an English former footballer who played in the Football League for Port Vale.

Paul Bennett

Personal information
Full name	Paul Bennett[1]
Date of birth	31 January 1961[1]
Place of birth	Liverpool, England[1]
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[2]
Position(s)	Midfielder
Youth career
	Everton
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1978–1982	Port Vale	30	(1)
	Northwich Victoria
	Telford United
	Buxton
	Stalybridge Celtic
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Bennett was an Everton youth team player before joining Port Vale in September 1978.[1] He made his debut as a substitute in a 1–1 draw with Peterborough United at London Road on 1 November 1980, and three weeks later he scored his first goal in a 4–2 win over Bradford City.[1] He went on to play 26 Fourth Division games in the 1980–81 season, and scored his first goal in the Football League from the penalty spot in a 2–0 win over York City at Vale Park on 7 March.[1] However, he then fell out of favour under manager John McGrath and played just four league games the following season and was given a free transfer in May 1982.[1] He then moved on to Alliance Premier League club Northwich Victoria (in two spells), Telford United, Buxton (Northern Premier League) and Stalybridge Celtic.[1]

Statistics

Source:[3]

Club	Season	Division	League		FA Cup		Other		Total
			Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Port Vale	1980–81	Fourth Division	26	1	4	1	0	0	30	2
	1981–82	Fourth Division	4	0	0	0	1	0	5	0
	Total		30	1	4	1	1	0	35	2

References

1. Kent, Jeff (1996). Port Vale Personalities. Witan Books. p. 26. ISBN 0-9529152-0-0.
2. Rollin, Jack (1980). Rothmans football yearbook. London: Queen Anne Press. p. 299. ISBN 0362020175. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
3. Paul Bennett at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)