Ben Pollock

For the American soccer player, see Ben Pollock (soccer).

Ben Pollock
Personal information
Full name Ben Pollock
Date of birth (1998-01-06) 6 January 1998 (age 26)
Place of birth Bolton, England
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 Chester
Number 16
Youth career
2014–2016 Newcastle United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2017 Hartlepool United 0 (0)
2017–2018 Dunston UTS[1] 24 (2)
2018–2019 Billingham Synthonia 37 (8)
2019–2022 Hereford 54 (0)
2022–2023 Boston United 43 (1)
2023–2024 Spennymoor Town 39 (3)
2024– Chester 4 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:53, 7 October 2024 (UTC)

Ben Pollock (born 6 January 1998) is an English footballer who plays as a defender for National League North club Chester.

Career

Pollock spent his youth with Middlesbrough, Leeds United, and Newcastle United, before he signed his first professional contract with Hartlepool United in May 2016, following a successful trial spell.[2][3] He made his senior debut in a 1–0 defeat to Sunderland U23 in an EFL Trophy group match at Victoria Park on 4 October 2016.[4]

On 27 July 2017, Pollock scored for Grimsby Town in a 7–0 win against Winterton Rangers whilst on trial.[5] During the same pre-season, Pollock also went on trial with Harrogate Town.[6]

In July 2018, Pollock signed for Northern League Division Two club Billingham Synthonia after his father, Jamie, took over the club as chairman and manager. While at the club, Pollock made the transition from a defender to a centre midfielder.[6]

On 4 October 2019, following 37 appearances for Billingham Synthonia, Pollock joined National League North side Hereford after his move to then EFL League Two side Bury fell through.[7] He was made available for Hereford's FA Cup third qualifying round tie at Tamworth the following day. He won the club's Player of the Year award for the 2021–22 season. Pollock announced his departure from the club on 1 June 2022.[8]

Pollock signed for Boston United on 7 June 2022.[9] At the end of the season, he won Boston's player of the year award.[10]

On 20 June 2023, Pollock signed for Spennymoor Town.[11] Following the expiration of his contract at Spennymoor, Ben signed for fellow National League North side Chester in May 2024.[10]

Style of play

Pollock is a versatile footballer and can play centre-back, right-back and central midfield.[6] Upon signing for Chester, the club's manager Calum McIntyre said of Pollock: "His data from last season speaks for itself and it is clear we are signing one of the highest performing defenders in the division last season. He dominates aerially, has real experience at the level and is really hungry to progress further."[10]

Personal life

Ben's father, Jamie Pollock, is also a former professional footballer.[12] His brother, Mattie Pollock, plays for Watford.

Career statistics

As of match played 7 October 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Hartlepool United 2016–17[13] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 2 0
Dunston UTS 2017–18[14] Northern League Division One 24 2 0 0 — 0 0 24 2
Billingham Synthonia 2018–19[15] Northern League Division Two 37 8 2 0 — 2[b] 0 41 8
Hereford 2019–20[16] National League North 13 0 0 0 — 0 0 13 0
2020–21[16] National League North 2 0 0 0 — 4[c] 0 6 0
2021–22[16] National League North 39 0 1 0 — 0 0 40 0
Total 54 0 1 0 — 4 0 59 0
Boston United 2022–23[16] National League North 43 1 0 0 — 1[c] 0 44 1
Spennymoor Town 2023–24[16] National League North 39 3 1 0 — 1[c] 0 41 3
Chester 2024–25[16] National League North 4 0 1 0 — 0 0 5 0
Career total 201 14 5 0 0 0 10 0 216 14
  1. ^ Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in FA Vase
  3. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in FA Trophy

References

  1. ^ "Ben Pollock". Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  2. ^ "Hartlepool United: James Martin and Ben Pollock sign professional deals". BBC Sport. 24 May 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Ben Pollock Signs Professional Deal With Hartlepool United". hartlepoolunited.co.uk. 24 May 2016. Archived from the original on 6 June 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  4. ^ Hunter, James (4 October 2016). "Hartlepool 0-1 Sunderland U23s RECAP: Donald Love goal secures victory for the Black Cats". Chronicle. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  5. ^ "Town Power Past Rangers". Archived from the original on 28 July 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ a b c "Ben Pollock and a story of setbacks, support from dad Jamie, calls from Paul Wilkinson & Wembley". Teesside Live. 15 April 2021.
  7. ^ Griffiths, Jamie (4 October 2019). "Bulls Bring in Midfielder Pollock". Hereford FC. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  8. ^ "Hereford FC 'player of season' leaves". Hereford Times. 1 June 2022.
  9. ^ "United confirm Pollock signing". Boston United. 7 June 2022.
  10. ^ a b c "Welcome to Chester FC, Ben Pollock!". Chester FC. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  11. ^ Simpson, Mark (20 June 2023). "Ben Pollock Signs For Spennymoor Town". Spennymoor Town FC. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  12. ^ "Newcastle United | Teams | Profiles | Academy | Academy Player Profile | Ben Pollock". www.nufc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  13. ^ "Games played by Ben Pollock in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
  14. ^ "Ben Pollock". www.dunstonfc.co.uk. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  15. ^ "Billingham Synthonia - Player Stats". Billingham Synthonia FC. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Ben Pollock at Soccerway. Retrieved 22 April 2024.