We are pleased to announce the appointment of former Grimsby Town defender Ryan Bennett as the Club’s new Player Recruitment Lead.
Bennett returns to Blundell Park having spent the period since his retirement from professional football in 2024 developing his knowledge and experience in talent identification, recruitment and football leadership. He joins the Mariners from Brentford FC, where he worked as a scout, having previously held the position of First-Team Scout at Luton Town.
The appointment follows the sudden passing of Alex Hughes in the summer. Alex made a valued contribution to the Club and our thoughts remain with his family and friends. He is greatly missed by everyone at Grimsby Town.
Following the conclusion of his playing career, Bennett has focused on building the foundations for a future in football recruitment and sporting leadership. He graduated from the PFA Business School with a Diploma in Sport Directorship and became an executive member of the Association of Sporting Directors.
He has also undertaken further development in talent identification and football analytics, completing The FA’s Talent ID qualifications at Levels 1, 2 and 3, alongside the Football Analytics course. He has also achieved UEFA B and UEFA C coaching licences.
Born in Essex, Bennett joined the Mariners’ youth setup in 2006 after leaving Ipswich Town, progressing into the first team under manager Alan Buckley.
He made his professional debut in April 2007 and, just three weeks later, became the Club’s youngest-ever captain at the age of 17. He went on to make 117 appearances in all competitions for Town, scoring six goals, and was a key figure during the 2008/09 campaign, collecting several accolades at the Club’s Player of the Year awards.
After leaving Grimsby in 2010, Bennett enjoyed a playing career spanning more than 500 senior appearances, representing Peterborough United, Norwich City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, Swansea City and Cambridge United. He also earned international honours with England at Under-18 and Under-21 level.
Bennett now takes on the role of Player Recruitment Lead at Blundell Park, combining his experience of the professional game with his recent studies and development in talent identification and football leadership.
Polly Bancroft, Chief Executive Officer at Grimsby Town, said:
“Ryan’s appointment is an important step for the Club as we continue to build for the future, and we’re delighted to welcome someone with such a strong connection to Grimsby Town back to Blundell Park.
“Ryan knows what it means to represent this football club. Having come through our youth system, captained the first team at such a young age and gone on to enjoy an impressive career in the game, he brings a valuable understanding of football at every level.
“We recognise that this appointment comes at a particularly difficult time for the Club following the sudden passing of Alex Hughes. Alex was a valued member of our team, and his contribution to Grimsby Town will not be forgotten. Our thoughts remain firmly with his family and loved ones.
“We’re looking forward to supporting Ryan as he takes on this role and helping him make a positive contribution to the Club’s continued progress.”
Welcome back to the Mariners, Ryan.
UTM
