Benno is back!
That’s the message from Huddersfield Town, who have today appointed Ian Bennett as Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coach.
The 42-year-old has been part of the club’s senior playing squad for the past four years and, when his playing contract expired at the end of last season, they were keen to retain his expertise.
Bennett has been completing coaching qualifications during the final years of his playing career and he will now focus on coaching the club’s keepers from age 12 through to 18.
“He is an incredibly knowledgeable man who we all know and respect, he has been of immense benefit to the senior goalkeepers that have trained alongside him during his four years playing here and we’re delighted we are keeping him at the club,” said chief executive Nigel Clibbens.
“Coaching young footballers in an Academy is a specialised job, but we know Ian’s personality and style is one that will fit this role perfectly.”
Bennett has played over 550 domestic games, including 74 for Town when contesting the No1 shirt with 24-year-old Alex Smithies.
Clibbens added: “Ian knows how Huddersfield Town operates and his ambition to be a success as a coach will fit right in with the ethos of his fellow technical staff in the Academy, and the rest of the club.
“This move is very similar to the one that our new Head of Goalkeeping, Nick Colgan, took when he brought his playing days to a close and it is excellent that Ian can continue to work and seek advice from Nick, as they will work closely together.”
Bennett will work with the Academy players in the Youth Development Phase (12 to 16-year-olds) and Professional Development Phase (16-18 year-olds).
Click here for more Huddersfield Town news
Want to read, watch and hear more? You can download the FREE Examiner Apple App here, the FREE Examiner Android App here or you can view the paper as an e-edition on your Apple, Android or Kindle device by clicking here
Want the latest Huddersfield Town news? Follow our Town news Twitter here
