Tom Bender (footballer) explained

Tom Bender
Fullname:Thomas Joseph Bender
Birth Date:1993 1, df=y[1]
Birth Place:Harlow, England
Height:1.91m (06.27feet)
Currentclub:Billericay Town
Position:Defender
Youthyears1:2009–2011
Years1:2009–2013
Clubs1:Colchester United
Caps1:16
Goals1:0
Years2:2011–2012
Clubs2:Accrington Stanley (loan)
Caps2:8
Goals2:0
Years3:2012–2013
Clubs3:Chelmsford City (loan)
Caps3:2
Goals3:0
Years4:2013–2014
Clubs4:Millwall
Caps4:6
Goals4:0
Years5:2014
Clubs5:Welling United (loan)
Caps5:11
Goals5:0
Years6:2014–2015
Clubs6:Dartford
Caps6:16
Goals6:0
Years7:2015
Caps7:15
Goals7:0
Years8:2015
Clubs8:St Albans City (loan)
Caps8:5
Goals8:1
Years9:2015–2022
Clubs9:St Albans City
Caps9:245
Goals9:14
Years10:2022–2023
Clubs10:Hanworth Villa
Caps10:34
Goals10:12
Years11:2023–
Clubs11:Billericay Town
Caps11:15
Goals11:0
Nationalyears1:2008
Nationalteam1:Wales U15
Nationalyears2:2008
Nationalyears3:2009–2010
Nationalcaps3:5
Nationalgoals3:1
Nationalyears4:2010–2012
Nationalcaps4:6
Nationalgoals4:1
Nationalyears5:2010–2011
Nationalcaps5:7
Nationalgoals5:0
Club-Update:00:59, 19 March 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:19:41, 10 January 2013 (UTC)

Thomas Joseph Bender (born 19 January 1993) is a professional footballer who plays for Isthmian League Premier side Billericay Town. He represented Wales at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels.

Club career

Colchester United

Bender is a product of the Colchester United Academy. He made his senior debut on 19 September 2009 for Colchester in a 2–0 win against Hartlepool United,[2] becoming the second youngest player ever to represent the club at 16 years and 243 days, just 26 days older than the record holder Lindsay Smith.[3] Bender was named on the bench for six further games that season against Tranmere Rovers, Brentford, Wycombe Wanderers, Exeter City, Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town. On 19 January 2010, Bender signed his first professional contract until the summer of 2012.[4]

On 12 June 2012, Bender signed a 12-month extension with Colchester following a season plagued by injury, including his high-profile head injury while on loan at Accrington Stanley and a hamstring tear in February 2012.[5]

On 30 August 2011 Bender joined Football League Two club Accrington Stanley on a season-long loan deal. He was given shirt number 20 and made his debut as a substitute against Barnet, and had his first career start came against Carlisle United in the Football League Trophy.

On 4 October 2011, Bender was involved in a three-way collision in a match in the 39th minute between Ian Dunbavin of Accrington Stanley and Lucas Akins of Tranmere Rovers in a Football League Trophy match between the two teams.[6] The match was subsequently abandoned because of the seriousness of the injury which caused his Twitter account (@tombender01) to be trending worldwide. Having received a full blow from his own keeper's fist, he was rushed to hospital for a brain scan. Despite unfounded rumours that he had broken his neck, Bender regained consciousness in hospital and only suffered severe concussion. On 24 February 2012, Bender returned to Colchester early due to a hamstring tear injury.[5]

On 30 November 2012, Bender and teammate Bradley Hamilton joined Chelmsford City on loan until 7 January 2013.[7]

Bender was released from his Colchester contract by mutual consent on 31 January 2013.[8]

Millwall

On 27 March 2013, Bender was signed by Millwall on a one-year contract, having been on trial with the club and appearing in their development squad.[9]

Dartford

On 26 September 2014, Bender was signed by Dartford on a free transfer on a short-term contract until January.[10] In January 2015, he was released by Dartford following the expiration of his contract, having made sixteen appearances for the club.[11]

Forest Green Rovers

After a spell spent training with the club, it was confirmed on 27 February 2015 that Bender had joined Forest Green Rovers on a deal until the end of the 2014–15 season.[12] He made his debut the following day as a substitute in a 5–3 home win over Southport.[13] His first start came in a 4–2 away victory over Gateshead on 18 April 2015.[14]

After helping Forest Green to the Conference National play-offs, he was offered a six-month contract for the 2015–16 season on 4 May 2015.[15] On 27 November 2015, he joined National League South club St Albans City on a one-month loan.[16] He was released by Forest Green at the end of his contract on 31 December 2015.[17]

St Albans City

Bender joined St Albans City on a permanent deal in 2015 and went on to make 250 appearances in all competitions for the National League South side, as well as serving as vice-captain at Clarence Park. He left St Albans in 2022.[18]

Hanworth Villa

In 2022, Bender joined newly promoted Middlesex-based Isthmian League South Central side Hanworth Villa. He captained them to fourth place and the play-off final loss against Walton & Hersham FC. This turned out to be his last game for the club as on May 14 2023 it was announced that he would be joining Billericay.[19]

Billericay Town

In May 2023, he joined Billericay Town.[20]

International career

Born in England, Bender instead chose to represent Wales and has represented them at every level up to under-21 level.

Under 17

He made his debut for the Wales under-17 side in September 2009, playing in the opening two matches in the qualifying round of the 2010 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship, a 3–2 win over Iceland and a 2–2 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.[21] [22]

Bender was called up for the 2010 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship Elite Round on 10 March 2010[23] but withdrew from the squad due to first team commitments with Colchester.[24]

Bender was called up by the Wales under-17 side for a friendly tournament in Sweden from 20 – 24 July.[25] Bender captained Wales for the first game of the tournament against Iceland, Wales lost the game 2–1.[26] [27] Bender was also captain for the second game of the tournament against Norway in which he scored his first international goal, Wales drew 1–1.[28] [29] Bender also played in the third and final game of the tournament a 1 – 1 draw with Sweden.[30] [31]

Under 19

Bender was called up for the Wales under-19 side on 18 April for a friendly against Northern Ireland.[32] But he didn't feature in the game.

On 10 October 2010 Bender was called up for three 2011 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship qualification games against Turkey, Iceland and Kazakhstan.[33] Bender played in the 3 – 3 draw against Turkey.[34] He also came on as a sub against Iceland[35] and Kazakhstan.[36]

Bender was named in a squad for a warm-weather training camp from 3 to 8 April 2011.[37]

Bender was called up for the 2011 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship elite qualification matches in Norway.[38] Bender withdrew from the squad to finish the season with Colchester.

In September 2011 Bender was involved in three games in the Qualifying round of the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He captained the team against Belgium but was subbed off,[39] He played the full 90 minutes as captain against Scotland[40] and in the third game he came off the bench to score against Slovenia.[41]

Under 21

Bender was called up as a stand-by player for the Wales under-21 side for a friendly against Malta on 10 August 2010.[42] He was named on the bench for the game, coming on to make his debut as a substitute in place of David Stephens.[43]

Bender was also named in the squad for 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification Group 3 matches against Italy and Hungary.[44] But he did not feature in those games.

Bender was put on the Stand-By list for a friendly against Austria on 17 November.[45] Bender was called up on 15 November to be part of the squad for the friendly against Austria.[46] Bender came on as a 79th minute sub against Austria as Wales won the game 1 – 0.[47]

Bender was once again called up for the Under 21s this time for a friendly against Northern Irelandon 9 February 2011.[48] He came on as a substitute in the 56th minute.[49]

2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship

Bender was called up for a 2013 UEFA U21 Championship Qualifying match against Andorra on 29 March 2011,[46] He was named on the bench for this game.[46] but was unused.[50]

Bender was called up for a friendly on 10 August vs Hungary.[51] He came on as a sub for this game.[46]

Bender was named as Stand-By player for a qualifier against Montenegro.[52]

Tom was once again called up for the Under 21s, this time for a qualifier against Andorra.[53] Bender withdrew from the squad due to injury.[54]

Bender was named on the Stand-By list for Geraint Williams' first two matches in charge, the first a friendly against Armenia[55] and the second a 2013 UEFA U21 Championship Qualifying match against Czech Republic.

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Colchester United2009–10[56] League One1000000010
2010–11[57] League One0000001[58] 010
Total1000001020
Accrington Stanley (loan)2011–12[59] League Two2010001040
Chelmsford City (loan)2012–13[60] Conference South20000020
Welling United (loan)2013–14[61] Conference Premier1100000110
2014–15[62] Conference Premier160301[63] 0200
Career total320400030390

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FootballSquads – Colchester United – 2012/13 . FootballSquads . 10 January 2013 .
  2. News: Colchester 2–0 Hartlepool . . 19 September 2009 . 2009-11-11.
  3. Web site: Tom enters the records books . cu-fc.com . 2009-11-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110717013920/http://www.cu-fc.com/page/News/0,,10424~1802389,00.html . 17 July 2011 . dead .
  4. Web site: U'S Flash: Tom Signs Pro Deal. cu-fc.com. 2009-01-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20100123170328/http://www.cu-fc.com/page/News/0,,10424~1938111,00.html. 23 January 2010. dead.
  5. Web site: Tom Bender expresses his relief at signing new U's deal. 13 June 2012. EADT . 2012-07-16.
  6. News: Accrington match called off after Tom Bender head injury . 4 October 2010 . BBC Sport . 4 October 2010 . Karen . Fazackerley .
  7. Web site: Clarets Complete Double Loan Capture . 30 November 2012 . Blue Square South . 3 December 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160129081404/http://www.bluesqsouth.com/story/0%2C20970%2C13042_8296888%2C00.html . 29 January 2016 . dead .
  8. Web site: U's Flash: Bender Departs . 31 January 2013 . Colchester United F.C. . 31 January 2013 .
  9. News: Millwall sign ex-Colchester United youngster . https://archive.today/20130411074147/http://www.london24.com/sport/championship/millwall/millwall_sign_ex_colchester_united_youngster_1_1994133 . dead . 11 April 2013 . London24 . 27 March 2013 . 2013-03-27 .
  10. News: Player News – Friday 26th September 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150113224345/http://www.dartfordfconline.com/site/?q=news/3021 . dead . 13 January 2015 . Dartford FC . 26 September 2014 . 2014-09-26 .
  11. News: Dartford FC release defender Tom Bender . Kent Online . 4 January 2015 . 2015-01-13.
  12. Web site: Forest Green Rovers sign ex-Dartford defender . BBC Sport . 28 February 2015.
  13. Web site: Forest Green 5-3 Southport . BBC Sport . 28 February 2015 . 1 April 2015.
  14. Web site: Gateshead 2-4 Forest Green . BBC Sport . 18 April 2015 . 19 April 2015.
  15. Web site: Six players released following play-off failure . BBC Sport . 4 May 2015 . 4 May 2015.
  16. Web site: Forest Green defender Tom Bender joins St Albans City on loan . Stroud News & Journal . 27 November 2015 . 5 December 2015.
  17. Web site: Corby Moore and Tom Bender leave Forest Green Rovers . Stroud News & Journal . 31 January 2015 . 17 January 2016.
  18. Web site: Bender bows out . 20 July 2022 .
  19. Web site: Hanworth Villa | Appearances | Tom Bender | Football Web Pages .
  20. Web site: Bender Is A Blue. www.billericaytownfc.co.uk. 14 May 2023. 21 May 2023.
  21. Web site: Wales 3–2 Iceland . faw.org.uk . 28 September 2009 . 2009-11-11.
  22. Web site: Wales 2–2 Bosnia-Herzegovina . faw.org.uk . 30 September 2009 . 2009-11-11.
  23. Web site: News – Wales Under 17 Squad Named for Elite Round – Football Association of Wales. faw.org.uk . https://web.archive.org/web/20100314070438/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1634 . 14 March 2010.
  24. Web site: News – Wales Under 17 Squad Changes for France – Football Association of Wales . 29 June 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100403221146/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1649 . 3 April 2010 .
  25. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100812001459/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1760 Football Association of Wales
  26. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100812001554/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1771 Football Association of Wales
  27. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100812001559/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1772 Football Association of Wales
  28. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100812001549/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1776 Football Association of Wales
  29. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100812001550/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1777 Football Association of Wales
  30. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100812001553/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1778 Football Association of Wales
  31. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100812001544/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1779 Football Association of Wales
  32. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20100512140340/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1684 Football Association of Wales
  33. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20101112012026/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1912 Football Association of Wales
  34. Web site: Fixtures and Results . 2023-05-22 . www.faw.org.uk . en . https://web.archive.org/web/20151117110605/http://www.faw.org.uk/fixtures-events/results/match/497 . 17 November 2015 .
  35. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20101112010841/http://www.faw.org.uk/fixtures-events/results/match/498 Football Association of Wales
  36. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20101112010844/http://www.faw.org.uk/fixtures-events/results/match/499 Football Association of Wales
  37. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20110512003617/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/2114 Football Association of Wales
  38. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20110512001844/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/2140 Football Association of Wales
  39. Web site: Under-19 2012 – Belgium-Wales – . UEFA . 2013-02-01.
  40. Web site: Under-19 2012 – Wales-Scotland – . UEFA . 2013-02-01.
  41. Web site: Under-19 2012 – Slovenia-Wales – . UEFA . 2013-02-01.
  42. Web site: News – Wales Under 21 Squad v Malta – Football Association of Wales . 27 July 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100806131045/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1780 . 6 August 2010 .
  43. News: Malta 1–1 Wales . Football Association of Wales . 10 August 2010 . 2010-08-10.
  44. https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20101112013350/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1818 Football Association of Wales
  45. Web site: News – Wales Under 21 Squad v Austria – Football Association of Wales . faw.org.uk . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101105011316/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/1943 . 2010-11-05.
  46. Web site: Wales Premier League Betting Odds Comparison. 18 April 2023. 28 December 2023.
  47. Web site: Match Report – Wales 1 – 0 Austria – Football Association of Wales . faw.org.uk . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101123221116/http://www.faw.org.uk/fixtures-events/results/match/506 . 2010-11-23.
  48. Web site: 2022. 18 April 2023 .
  49. http://www.faw.org.uk/fixtures-events/results/match/522 Football Association of Wales
  50. http://www.faw.org.uk/fixtures-events/results/match/536 Football Association of Wales
  51. Web site: Football Association of Wales: Wales Under 21 Squad v Hungary Named International News . faw.org.uk . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110922095733/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/FAW61927.ink . 2011-09-22.
  52. Web site: Wales Under 21 Squad Named – Football Association of Wales International News . faw.org.uk . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120427031531/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/FAW62242.ink . 2012-04-27.
  53. Web site: Football Association of Wales: Wales Under 21 Squad Named for Andorra Match. International News . 7 April 2012 . 31 July 2012 . https://archive.today/20120731030508/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/FAW82438.ink . dead .
  54. Web site: Football Association of Wales: Wales Under 21 Squad v Andorra – Changes International News . faw.org.uk . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120303005423/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/FAW82494.ink . 2012-03-03.
  55. Web site: Football Association of Wales: Wales Under 21 Squad v Armenia Named International News . faw.org.uk . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120806043715/http://faw.org.uk/news/FAW85458.ink . 2012-08-06.
  56. Web site: Colchester 2009/2010 player appearances. Soccerbase. 10 January 2013. Select season required via dropdown menu.
  57. Web site: Colchester 2010/2011 player appearances. Soccerbase. 10 January 2013. Select season required via dropdown menu.
  58. Appearance in Football League Trophy
  59. Web site: Accrington 2011/2012 player appearances. Soccerbase. 10 January 2013. Select season required via dropdown menu.
  60. Web site: Wales – T. Bender – Soccerway. Soccerway. 10 January 2013.
  61. Select season required via dropdown menu.
  62. Select season required via dropdown menu.
  63. Appearance in FA Trophy