 Benjamin in 2009 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Trevor Junior Benjamin[1] | ||
| Date of birth | (1979-02-08)8 February 1979 (age 47) | ||
| Place of birth | Kettering, England | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2] | ||
| Position | Forward | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1995–2000 | Cambridge United | 123 | (37) |
| 2000–2005 | Leicester City | 81 | (15) |
| 2001–2002 | →Crystal Palace (loan) | 6 | (1) |
| 2002 | →Norwich City (loan) | 6 | (0) |
| 2002 | →West Bromwich Albion (loan) | 3 | (1) |
| 2003 | →Gillingham (loan) | 4 | (1) |
| 2003–2004 | →Rushden & Diamonds (loan) | 6 | (1) |
| 2004 | →Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) | 10 | (5) |
| 2004–2005 | →Northampton Town (loan) | 4 | (2) |
| 2005 | Northampton Town | 1 | (0) |
| 2005 | Coventry City | 12 | (1) |
| 2005–2007 | Peterborough United | 47 | (8) |
| 2005 | →Watford (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| 2006 | →Swindon Town (loan) | 8 | (2) |
| 2007 | →Boston United (loan) | 3 | (0) |
| 2007 | →Walsall (loan) | 8 | (4) |
| 2007–2008 | Hereford United | 34 | (12) |
| 2008 | Gainsborough Trinity | 3 | (0) |
| 2008 | Northwich Victoria | 2 | (0) |
| 2008 | Hednesford Town | 1 | (0) |
| 2008–2009 | Wellingborough Town | 2 | (1) |
| 2009 | Kidsgrove Athletic | 12 | (3) |
| 2009 | Tamworth | 4 | (1) |
| 2009 | Harrogate Town | 5 | (3) |
| 2009 | Woking | 2 | (0) |
| 2010 | Sunshine George Cross | 0 | (0) |
| 2010 | Bedlington Terriers | 2 | (1) |
| 2010 | →Wroxham (loan) | 3 | (0) |
| 2010 | →Morpeth Town (loan) | 2 | (0) |
| 2010–2011 | Morpeth Town | ||
| 2012 | Seaton Delaval | ||
| Total | 396+ | (99+) | |
| International career | |||
| 2001 | England U21 | 1 | (0) |
| 2002 | Jamaica | 2 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2010–2011 | Morpeth Town | ||
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Trevor Junior Benjamin (born 8 February 1979) is a former professionalfootballer and manager who played as aforward.
He is an example of ajourneyman footballer, having represented 29 teams in his career, and making over 350 appearances inthe Football League between 1995 and 2008. He also holds the record for the most league clubs played for, which is 16. He most notably spent time in thePremier League withLeicester City, who he joined in 2000 fromCambridge United. He was capped byEngland U21 but went on to feature forJamaica as a full international, where he earned two caps. Benjamin has also played as a professional in the Football League forCrystal Palace,Norwich City,West Bromwich Albion,Gillingham,Rushden & Diamonds,Brighton & Hove Albion,Northampton Town,Coventry City,Peterborough United,Watford,Swindon Town,Boston United,Walsall andHereford United.
At the age of 28, Benjamin dropped out of the professional game and firstly signed forConference North sideGainsborough Trinity. He went on to play forNorthwich Victoria,Hednesford Town,Wellingborough Town,Kidsgrove Athletic,Tamworth,Harrogate Town andWoking. In 2010, he briefly joined Australian semi-pro sideSunshine George Cross, but failed to make an appearance and returned the EnglishNon-League football where he went on to feature forBedlington Terriers,Wroxham andMorpeth Town. Having initially been on loan at Morpeth from Bedlington, he was later appointed player-manager of the club in November 2010 and managed the club until the end of the 2010–11 season.
Benjamin grew up inWellingborough,Northamptonshire, supportingArsenal withIan Wright as his idol. His first club was Wellingborough Colts where he excelled as astriker, gaining representative honours withNorthamptonshire. His potential was recognised and he played a friendly forKettering Town, with his brother Richard. Trevor played in their youth team then started scoring regularly for the reserves.
He then signed as a trainee forCambridge United where he made his professional début as a 16-year-old, againstGillingham in a 0–0 draw, during his time there he scored 46 goals in 146 appearances. He also scored both goals (one in the first leg and one in the second leg) as Third Division Cambridge knocked Premier LeagueSheffield Wednesday out of theLeague Cup 2–1 on aggregate in September 1998.[3] He also scored as Cambridge knocked second tierCrystal Palace out of theFA Cup in December 1999.[4]
Following some impressive displays forCambridge United, Benjamin signed forLeicester City (where his work rate and goal celebrations saw him become something of a cult figure). He was signed for a fee of £1.3 million by managerPeter Taylor, who snapped up Benjamin as a replacement for the departedEmile Heskey who had joinedLiverpool.[5]
He made his debut forLeicester City, as a substitute, in a 0–0 draw withSunderland, on 1 October 2000. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–0 win atMiddlesbrough on 18 November 2000,[6] however this proved to be his only goal that season.
Benjamin then went on loan to three clubs in the2001–02 season. His first loan spell was atCrystal Palace,[7] where he scored once againstBradford City in six league appearances.[8] He then joinedNorwich City[9] making six appearances again before joiningWest Bromwich Albion,[10] where he scored on his debut againstBarnsley and helped them get promoted to thePremier League.[11] Benjamin spent the whole of the2002–03 season back at Leicester. His next loan spell was atGillingham in September 2003, where he scored on his debut againstWest Ham United.[12] In November 2003 he was loaned out toRushden & Diamonds,[13] scoring once againstPort Vale.[14] His next loan was atBrighton & Hove Albion in January 2004.[15] At Brighton he scored five goals in ten league appearances and managerMark McGhee was keen to extend his loan to the end of the season.[16] However he returned to his parent club in March 2004 and Brighton were promoted in his absence. In January 2005 newLeicester City managerCraig Levein made the decision to cancel Benjamin's contract.
Benjamin joinedNorthampton Town permanently on 19 January 2005, after a few weeks on loan to the club.[17] Trevor was later signed up byCoventry managerMicky Adams (under whom he had played at Leicester) until the end of the season, scoring once againstWatford.[18]
In the summer of 2005 Benjamin was released again and later signed forPeterborough United on a three-year deal, stating his main motivation was to gain first team football. Benjamin later made loan appearances forWatford,Swindon Town,[19]Boston United andWalsall. Benjamin went on to sign forHereford United on 1 August 2007.[20] He made his début for the club in a 0–0 draw againstRotherham United on 11 August 2007. His first goal followed a week later, from the penalty spot, in a 2–1 win away atBarnet. He continued his impressive form in the first half of the season and became something of a fans favourite at Edgar Street, scoring his share of goals. However he did not start another match for the Bulls after the defeat to Cardiff at the end of January, which coincided with the arrival ofGary Hooper on loan.
On 19 May 2008, Benjamin was released from Hereford United, being told his services will not be needed in the following season, despite being the club's third top goalscorer that season.[21] He joinedConference North clubGainsborough Trinity on non-contract terms in August 2008,[22] a week later after joiningGainsborough Trinity, theLincolnshire Echo revealed the player had also been training withCheltenham Town. Despite this Trevor was released by a 'disappointed' Steve Charles after just three appearances forGainsborough Trinity, with the Blues noting that the Jamaican International had under performed in his games.
Benjamin had trials with Cheltenham Town,Gillingham andAFC Bournemouth at the start of the2008–09 season, but failed to earn a contract at any of the three clubs.[23][24][25] Bournemouth managerJimmy Quinn said of the player, "He's not what I'm looking for, he's probably past his sell-by date."[26] On 10 October 2008, Benjamin signed forNorthwich Victoria,[27] but was released three weeks later as part of cost-cutting measures.[28] He then made one appearance atHednesford Town in theNorthern Premier League Premier Division,[29] after a few games for the club he was released. A couple of weeks later, Benjamin moved further down the non-league ladder to sign for his home town clubWellingborough Town in theUnited Counties Football League. He scored on his debut in the 2–2 Boxing Day draw withRaunds Town.[30]Recent speculations have linked him, like in the summer of 2008,[31] toChester City.[32]
However, Benjamin moved on toKidsgrove Athletic in theNorthern Premier League Division One South, making his debut in a 5–2 win againstBrigg Town on 14 February 2009.[33]He made 12 league appearances during the2008–09 season, and another two appearances in theStaffordshire Senior Cup, helping them win the final on 22 April 2009. But Benjamin has recently stated that he would like a return to league football after fully recovering from his eye infection. He is currently on trial with Rushden & Diamonds in a bid to earn a contract for the new season. On 7 August 2009, Trevor Benjamin signed forConference National newcomersTamworth, following a successful trial period with the club.[34]
He made his debut the following day in aConference National away fixture againstStevenage Borough, Benjamin came on as a 79th-minute substitute formidfielderTom Shaw. The game finished in a 1–1 draw.[35] He moved on to Harrogate Town in the Conference North, making his debut and scoring two goals in a 3–2 loss againstNorthwich Victoria on 3 October 2009.[36]In his second appearance, againstDroylsden, he scored again with a stunning free-kick in the last few minutes of the game. He departed in November after his rolling month-to-month contract was not renewed.
He made his debut forWoking in a 6–0 win againstSt Albans City in theFA Trophy competition, on 21 November 2009.[37]After another two games for the Cards, he was released prior to 5 December 2009 match againstBishop's Stortford.[38] He joinedBedlington Terriers inNorthern League Division One on a free transfer in February 2010.[39] The next month he joinedWroxham inEastern Counties League Premier Division for a short loan spell.[40]
In September 2010 he was loaned out again, to Terrier's local rivalsMorpeth Town. After two goalless appearances, the 3–0 home defeat byMarske United[41] and the 2–1 away defeat byNewton Aycliffe,[42] he was appointed the club'splayer-manager following the departure of previous manager Tom Wade.[43] Shortly after his release he signed for Seaton Delaval Amateurs.[44]
Benjamin was selected for theEngland under-21s, making his only appearance as a substitute againstMexico atFilbert Street on 24 May 2001.[45]
He made his international début forJamaica on 20 November 2002 againstNigeria, inLagos.
After retiring from competitive football Benjamin has launched his own brand of goalkeeping gloves called Locust UK.[46]All of Benjamin's sons are following in their fathers footsteps, including Zac who had a short spell at Premier League club Burnley and is currently playing for semi-professional club Alnwick FC. His son Theo signed for Newcastle United Academy during the 2023/24 season, and his other son, Cruz, is part of the Bedlington Terriers youth setup.
| Club | League | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | FL Trophy | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Cambridge United | Division Three | 1995–96 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Division Three | 1996–97 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | |
| Division Three | 1997–98 | 25 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 5 | |
| Division Three | 1998–99 | 42 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 52 | 17 | |
| Division Two | 1999–00 | 44 | 20 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 23 | |
| Total | 123 | 35 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 146 | 46 | ||
| Leicester City | Premier League | 2000–01 | 21 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 25 | 1 | |
| Premier League | 2001–02 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 12 | 0 | ||
| Division One | 2002–03 | 35 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — | 39 | 9 | ||
| Premier League | 2003–04 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | ||
| Championship | 2004–05 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 10 | 2 | ||
| Total | 81 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 12 | ||
| Crystal Palace (loan) | Division One | 2001–02 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 6 | 1 | |
| Norwich City (loan) | Division One | 2001–02 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | |
| West Bromwich Albion (loan) | Division One | 2001–02 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 1 | |
| Gillingham (loan) | Division One | 2003–04 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 1 | |
| Rushden & Diamonds (loan) | Division Two | 2003–04 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) | Division Two | 2003–04 | 10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5 |
| Northampton Town (loan) | League Two | 2004–05 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Coventry City | Championship | 2004–05 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 12 | 1 | |
| Peterborough United | League Two | 2005–06 | 20 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 24 | 3 |
| League Two | 2006–07 | 27 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 9 | |
| Total | 47 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 57 | 12 | ||
| Watford (loan) | Championship | 2005–06 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |
| Swindon Town (loan) | League One | 2005–06 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
| Boston United (loan) | League Two | 2006–07 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Walsall (loan) | League Two | 2006–07 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
| Hereford United | League Two | 2007–08 | 34 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 43 | 11 |
| Gainsborough Trinity | Conference North | 2008–09 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||
| Northwich Victoria | Conference | 2008–09 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||
| Hednesford Town | NPL Premier | 2008–09 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | ||
| Wellingborough Town | UCL Premier | 2008–09 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 1 | ||
| Kidsgrove Athletic | NPL South | 2008–09 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 3 | ||
| Tamworth | Conference | 2009–10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 1 | ||
| Harrogate Town | Conference North | 2009–10 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 5 | 3 | ||
| Woking | Conference South | 2009–10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Bedlington Terriers | NL Division One | 2009–10 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 1 | ||
| NL Division One | 2010–11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | |||
| Total | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | ||
| Wroxham (loan) | ECL Premier | 2009–10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||
| Morpeth Town (loan) | NL Division Two | 2010–11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||
| Career totals | 396 | 89 | 26 | 7 | 19 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 448 | 106 | ||