Bennett came through the academy at Molineux but never made a league appearance for Wolves.
Born in Telford, Elliott Bennett joined Wolverhampton Wanderers at the age of 8, and went on to spend 13 years at Molineux. A Wolves fan, Bennett’s story sounds like every football enthusiasts childhood dream, but the pacy winger was never quite able to make the grade in the West Midlands, and following loan moves to Crewe and Bury, he left the club in 2009.
Naturally disappointed at the time, it was ultimately a move which could be considered a blessing for Bennett. From Wolves, he joined then League One club Brighton. It was a club going places fast, and the perfect environment for a young Bennett to hone his craft.
Elliott Bennett in action for Blackburn
At the Withdean Stadium, the youngster got regular game time, and was soon catching the eye of a number of first and second tier teams. Brighton won the League One title in 2010-11, and Bennett was named among the PFA League One Team of the Year.
During an exclusive interview with HITC Sport, we asked the 28-year-old whether he had any regrets about his time at Wolves and not getting more of an opportunity with his boyhood club.
“Of course. I made my debut in the Carling Cup but never played in the league. Having come through from the age of eight, it would have been nice for my family, but looking back, it was best for me. Wolves had just won promotion to the Premier League, and I wasn’t ready to play in the Premier League at that time.”
Elliott Bennett during one of just two appearances he made for Wolves
Wolves went on to spend three seasons in the Premier League, before their eventual relegation in 2012, whilst Bennett sealed a £200,000 move to Brighton. He would spent just two seasons on the south coast, albeit two special seasons, before getting the Premier League move he didn’t believe he was ready for a couple of years earlier.
Having originally skipped the Championship and jumping straight from League One to the Premier League, Bennett is now playing in England’s second tier but for Blackburn Rovers, a club who sit four places and five points behind his former employers Wolves.
Bennett missed out on Blackburn’s 1-1 draw with Wolves back at the end of October, but will be hopeful of playing his part in the return leg of the fixture back at his former home ground of Molineux in April. The tie is the third to last game of the season.
Bennett will return to Molineux with Blackburn in April
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