Archived News from June 2016
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STAGS SIGN RHYS BENNETT
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Stags complete deal for versatile defender
mansfieldtown.net, 9th June 2016 We are pleased to announce that we have today completed the signing of former Rochdale defender Rhys Bennett on a free transfer. The 24-year-old becomes manager Adam Murray’s fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of striker Danny Rose, defender George Taft and wingers Ashley Hemmings and CJ Hamilton. Bennett began his career at then-Premier League side Bolton Wanderers after signing professional terms at 18-years-old and captained the reserve side on a regular basis. After spending a year on loan at Scottish side Falkirk, Bennett left Bolton at the end of the 2011/12 season and signed a one-year contract with Rochdale. The defender, who is comfortable at right back, centre-back and defensive midfield, quickly became a regular in Dale’s side and scored the club’s Goal of the Season during the 2012/13 campaign for an incredible solo effort against York City. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/stags-complete-deal-for-versatile-defender-3139091.aspx#8g44rbmyl3qEYYHa.99 After recovering from an injury which kept him sidelined for the final six weeks of that campaign, Bennett became an important part of the Rochdale side which won promotion from League 2 in 2013/14. He then enjoyed arguably the best season of his career in League 1 as he went on to make 39 league appearances as Dale secured an exceptional eighth-place finish in the 2014/15 campaign. After completing the deal, manager Adam Murray said he believes Bennett will become one of the best right-backs in League Two. "We fought hard to get this one done. He's very good attacking-wise but he's also very good as a one-v-one defender," Murray said. "He has played in midfield so he's very combative, but we feel that right-back is his best position. "He's another who has been promoted from the league and is at a great age with a lot of experience already." The deal is subject to EFL approval and will run from 01 July 2016. ----------------- Experienced Bennett aims for success at Stags mansfieldtown.net New signing Rhys Bennett wants to use his vast experience to help the Stags have a successful season in the upcoming Sky Bet League Two campaign. The defender became manager Adam Murray’s fifth signing of the transfer window following the captures of striker Danny Rose, defender George Taft and wingers Ashley Hemmings and CJ Hamilton. And now Bennett, who has previously gained promotion from League 2 with Rochdale, wants to use his knowhow to help the Stags become successful. “I’m nearly 25 now so I have a lot of experience in terms of football and winning games and stuff like that, so I know this league and I know how to get out of it,” Bennett said. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/experienced-bennett-aims-for-success-at-stags-3139978.aspx#XBDA2qSGt7uebaCw.99 “I think it, [my experience], will help the younger lads and for everyone else as a team and as a club to hopefully get to the next level because that’s what I want to do. “I think I’m a decent character and I can bring the team together and obviously I want to train and I want to play at my best, so hopefully that rubs off on the younger players.” Despite being comfortable at centre-back and defensive midfield, Bennett says that manager Adam Murray envisages him playing at right-back for the Stags, a position which the 24-year-old has spent the majority of his career in. “I’ve had conversations with the manager and he wants me to play right-back and I think that’s a decent position for myself moving forward. “I’ve probably played more games as a right-back than anywhere else. It’s a position which I know and I feel 100 percent comfortable with and I know I can progress there. “If I’m playing 100 percent in the same position then it’ll hopefully bring success for the club and it’ll bring success for me.” Reflecting on his time at promotion-winning Rochdale, Bennett explained what he thought were the main contributors to the success of the club. “Togetherness, first and foremost, and consistency in performances away from home and at home and basically just giving the best account of yourself every day in training and for every game. That’s basically what breeds success. “We want to try and get promoted here. Me as a player, obviously I want as much success as I can so that’s naturally what I want to do.” The former Falkirk loanee started his career at then-Premier League side Bolton Wanderers and Bennett says his time in Lancashire stood him in good stead for his career. “I’d obviously love to get back there one day, as a player. But in terms of an experience and to train with good players and international players I think it’s great for me and hopefully I can transfer that experience here.” Supporters can watch Bennett’s first club interview on Stags Player HD. ------------------ Premier League ambition for new Stags defender Bennett chad.co.uk, by John Lomas New Mansfield Town signing Rhys Bennett is determined to achieve his dream of playing Premier League football by helping the Stags to success. The 25-year-old defender, who signed for Stags from Rochdale last week, started out at Bolton Wanderers when they were a top flight side, but was released by Owen Coyle without a first team appearance to his name. Then in 2014/15 Everton were reported to be keeping tabs on his progress with a £1m price tag mooted. However, the out-of-contract defender, who helped Rochdale to promotion from League Two, said he was delighted to now have the chance to help Stags do the same. “I am very happy to sign here,” he said. “I was obviously pleased to meet the manager and hear his thoughts and his aspirations for the season for the club, himself, and for me. Read more: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/mansfield-town-news/premier-league-ambition-for-new-stags-defender-bennett-1-7961857#ixzz4BUyw9gOa “I agree with what he is saying and I think this is the place to be for me. “We want to try to get promoted and, as a player, I want as much success as I can. “I am nearly 25 now so I have a lot of experience in terms of football and winning games. I know this league and how to get out of it so it will help the younger lads and everyone else as a team and a club to get to the next level. That’s what I want to do.” Bennett began his career at then-Premier League side Bolton Wanderers after signing professional terms at 18-years-old and went on to captain the reserve team on a regular basis. After spending a year on loan at Scottish side Falkirk, Bennett left Bolton at the end of the 2011/12 season and signed a one-year contract with Rochdale. But the ambition to play Premier League football still burns brightly. “I think I can play at that level but I have got to prove that to the fans here and to myself,” he said. “At the same time I don’t think I have anything to prove really. I think I am a good player and I think I can get to the top. “It was brilliant (at Bolton). I’d love to get back there one day as a player. “The experience of training with good players, international players, was great for me and hopefully I can transfer that experience here.” The defender, who is comfortable at right back, centre back and defensive midfield, quickly became a regular in Dale’s side and scored the club’s Goal of the Season during the 2012/13 campaign for an incredible solo effort against York City. After recovering from an injury which kept him sidelined for the final six weeks of that campaign, Bennett became an important part of the Rochdale side which won promotion from League Two in 2013/14. He then enjoyed arguably the best season of his career in League One as he went on to make 39 league appearances as Dale secured an exceptional eighth-place finish in the 2014/15 campaign. Explaining how Bury achieved their promotion, he said: “It was togetherness first and foremost and consistency in performances away from home and at home. “Basically you just have to give the best account of yourself every day in training and for every game. That is basically what breeds success.” Although versatile, Bennett intends to make the right back shirt his own at the One Call Stadium. “I’ve had conversations with the manager and he wants me to play right back,” he said. “I think that’s a decent position for myself moving forward. “If I was to count my games I have probably spent more at right back than anywhere else. It’s a position I feel I know and am 100 per cent comfortable with and I know I can progress there.” He added: “I think I am a decent character and can help bring the team together. I want to train and play at my best and hopefully that will rub off on the younger players. It is a work ethic. “I play with a smile on my face. I give 100 per cent. I like to play football. I am big and quite quick. “I just want to play football and enjoy football. I know if I am enjoying it and I’m doing well and the club is doing well then that’s basically all that matters. “I am really happy to be here. If I am playing 100 per cent in the same position hopefully it will bring success for the club and success for me.” ----------------- article from November 2014: Everton keeping tabs on Rochdale defender Rhys Bennett as Roberto Martinez looks to strengthen Toffees backline Bennett has impressed for the League Two side this season By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE 15 November 2014 The 23-year-old started his career with Bolton before moving to Falkirk on loan and was then snapped up by Rochdale where he has impressed with his performances. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2836178/Everton-keeping-tabs-Rochdale-defender-Rhys-Bennett-Roberto-Martinez-looks-strengthen-Toffees-backline.html#ixzz4B6fmuXq4 Bennett can play right back or centre back and Everton scouts have taken a keen interest in recent weeks as they look to strengthen their squad following injury to John Stones and veteran Sylvain Distin turning 37 next month. Bennett signed a new two year contract earlier this year and Rochdale will be looking for around £1million if Everton firm up their interest. The Toffees currently sit 10th in the Premier League table and take on West Ham at Goodison Park next Saturday. ---------------- |
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