Ben Pollock Explained

Ben Pollock
Birth Date:6 January 1998
Birth Place:Bolton, England
Position:Defender
Currentclub:Chester
Clubnumber:16
Youthyears1:2014–2016
Youthclubs1:Newcastle United
Years1:2016–2017
Clubs1:Hartlepool United
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2017–2018
Clubs2:Dunston UTS[1]
Caps2:24
Goals2:2
Years3:2018–2019
Clubs3:Billingham Synthonia
Caps3:37
Goals3:8
Years4:2019–2022
Clubs4:Hereford
Caps4:54
Goals4:0
Years5:2022–2023
Clubs5:Boston United
Caps5:43
Goals5:1
Years6:2023–2024
Clubs6:Spennymoor Town
Caps6:39
Goals6:3
Years7:2024–
Clubs7:Chester
Caps7:0
Goals7:0
Club-Update:21:01, 21 April 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 centre 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

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Hartlepool United2016–17EFL League Two0000002020
Dunston UTS2017–18[13] Northern League Division One2420000242
Billingham Synthonia2018–19[14] Northern League Division Two3782020418
Hereford2019–20National League North1300000130
2020–21National League North20004060
2021–22National League North3901000400
Total5401040590
Boston United2022–23National League North4310010441
Spennymoor Town2023–24National League North3931010413
Career total19714400010021114

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ben Pollock . 30 August 2018 . 20 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181120131500/http://www.dunstonutsfc.co.uk/benpollock.html . dead .
  2. News: Hartlepool United: James Martin and Ben Pollock sign professional deals. 26 November 2016. BBC Sport. 24 May 2016.
  3. News: Ben Pollock Signs Professional Deal With Hartlepool United. https://web.archive.org/web/20160606192750/http://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/news/article/ex-newcastle-and-middlesbrough-ben-pollock-signs-for-hartlepool-united-3124088.aspx. dead. 6 June 2016. 26 November 2016. hartlepoolunited.co.uk. 24 May 2016.
  4. News: Hunter. James. Hartlepool 0-1 Sunderland U23s RECAP: Donald Love goal secures victory for the Black Cats. 26 November 2016. Chronicle. 4 October 2016.
  5. Web site: Town Power Past Rangers.
  6. News: Ben Pollock and a story of setbacks, support from dad Jamie, calls from Paul Wilkinson & Wembley. Teesside Live. 15 April 2021.
  7. Web site: Griffiths . Jamie . 2019-10-04 . Bulls Bring in Midfielder Pollock . 2023-09-11 . Hereford FC . en.
  8. News: Hereford FC 'player of season' leaves. Hereford Times. 1 June 2022.
  9. News: United confirm Pollock signing. Boston United. 7 June 2022.
  10. Web site: Welcome to Chester FC, Ben Pollock! . Chester FC . 11 May 2024 . 11 May 2023.
  11. Web site: Simpson . Mark . 2023-06-20 . Ben Pollock Signs For Spennymoor Town . 2023-06-21 . Spennymoor Town FC . en-GB.
  12. Web site: Newcastle United Teams Profiles Academy Academy Player Profile Ben Pollock. www.nufc.co.uk. 26 November 2016.
  13. Web site: Ben Pollock . 2023-07-06 . www.dunstonfc.co.uk.
  14. Web site: Billingham Synthonia - Player Stats . 6 July 2023 . Billingham Synthonia FC.