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Ben Hamer
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Benjamin John Hamer (/ˈheɪmər/; born 20 November 1987) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for EFL Championship club Queens Park Rangers.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Hamer was born in Chard, Somerset, and is a Bristol City fan.[3] His family moved to Germany at the age of 3 and, consequently, he is a fluent German speaker. However, when he was 8, his family came back to England. He attended Holyrood Community School in Chard which is near to his birthplace. His footballing ability led to a spell playing for Somerset at county level, where he was spotted by a Reading scout. He signed for Reading at the age of 15.[4]
Reading
[edit]Loan to Crawley Town FC
[edit]Having risen through the youth academy at Reading, Hamer went on loan to Crawley Town for the 2006–07 season, where he missed just one league game and was named as Player of the Season.[5]
Loans to Brentford
[edit]On 4 July 2007, Hamer signed a new one-year contract to keep him at Reading until the end of the 2007–08 season.[6] He joined Brentford in an initial one-month loan deal on 11 August 2007,[7] which was subsequently extended to 14 October 2007.[8] Brentford re-signed Hamer in an emergency loan deal on 1 January 2008, following an injury to their first choice 'keeper, Simon Brown.[9] On 28 January 2008, his loan was extended to the end of the 2007–08 season.[10]
He signed a new one-year deal with Reading and returned to Brentford for a third loan spell on a season-long loan on 17 June, and was Andy Scott's first choice goalkeeper for the 2008–09 season, in which Brentford were champions of League Two.[11] As well as winning a League Two Champions medal, Hamer also won the Puma Golden Glove award for League 2 having recorded 20 clean sheets within the season.[12]
On 18 June 2009, Hamer signed a new two-year contract and was expected to jostle with Adam Federici for the Number 1 jersey. On 31 August, Hamer was loaned back to Brentford for a fourth spell with the Bees.[13][14]
Loan to Exeter City
[edit]On 18 January 2011, Hamer joined League One side Exeter City on a three-month loan deal.[15] Hamer made his Exeter City debut against Walsall on 22 January 2011.
Charlton Athletic
[edit]
On 1 August 2011, Hamer joined Charlton Athletic on a three-year contract and was immediately handed the number one jersey.[16] He made his debut on 23 August 2011 against his former club Reading in the League Cup first round and helped Charlton to a 2–1 win. After some initial nervous performances he cemented his place in the team, making crucial saves throughout Charlton's title winning League One campaign.[citation needed] He clinched promotion to the Championship with Chris Powell's side in April 2012, with a 1–0 win over Carlisle United and continued to play regularly for the Addicks during the 2012–13 season. A series of injuries resulted in Hamer playing fewer matches in the 2013–14 season.
Leicester City
[edit]After several weeks of strong speculation about Hamer's move to Leicester City, it was finally confirmed on 22 May 2014, by Hamer himself on social media. Hamer says he made the move to the newly promoted Foxes for the chance to play Premier League football.[17] He made his debut in a 1–0 defeat at home to Shrewsbury Town in a League Cup second round tie. Following an injury to Kasper Schmeichel whilst on international duty, Hamer made his Premier League debut on 13 September, putting in a very good performance and keeping a clean sheet as Leicester secured a 1–0 win at Stoke City, their first victory since returning to the Premier League.[18]
He played his second game for Leicester against Premier League champions, Manchester City in a 1–0 home defeat on 13 December. After playing 7 games for Leicester, Hamer lost his place when on 6 January 2015, Leicester signed experienced goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer from Chelsea to help cover for the injured Kasper Schmeichel.[19] In the 2016–17 season, Hamer started Leicester's sixth Champions League group game, giving him his Champions League debut. Leicester lost 5–0 to FC Porto.[20]
Loan to Nottingham Forest
[edit]On 25 July 2015, Hamer joined Championship side Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan deal.[21] However, he returned to Leicester on 4 August after the loan was cut short due to Nottingham Forest's financial issues.[22]
Loan to Bristol City
[edit]On 11 August 2015, Hamer joined Championship side Bristol City on season-long loan deal.[23] However, he returned to Leicester City on 17 November 2015 after making only five appearances for the club.[24]
Huddersfield Town
[edit]On 1 June 2018, Huddersfield Town announced the signing of Hamer on a free transfer once his contract ended on 1 July. Huddersfield fans were not impressed when Hamer was named number 1 for the 2020–21 season but his performances have won over the fans.[25]
Derby County (loan)
[edit]On 8 August 2019, Hamer joined Derby County on loan for the 2019–20 season as back up for Kelle Roos.[26] He made his debut and kept a clean sheet in a 1–0 win at Scunthorpe United in the EFL Cup first round. On 30 November 2019, Hamer made his league debut[27] and thereafter became first choice keeper.
Swansea City
[edit]On 15 January 2021, Hamer completed a permanent move to Swansea City, for an undisclosed fee. He signed an 18-month contract.
Watford
[edit]On 19 July 2022, Hamer joined Watford on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.[28] He made his league debut for Watford in their 2-2 draw away to Coventry City on 10 April 2023, coming in for the suspended Daniel Bachmann.
On 23 May 2024, it was confirmed that Hamer would leave Watford following the expiry of his contract.[29][30]
Sheffield Wednesday
[edit]On 14 June 2024, Sheffield Wednesday confirmed Hamer would be joining them after the expiration of his Watford contract.[31] He was released from his contract following the end of the season having never played a game.[32]
Queens Park Rangers
[edit]On 19 September 2025, Hamer joined Queens Park Rangers on a short-term contract.[33] On 8 January 2026, he extended his short-term deal until the end of the season.[34]
Career statistics
[edit]
- As of 4 January 2026
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Reading | 2006–07[35] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2007–08[36] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2008–09[37] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2009–10[38] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | |||
| 2010–11[39] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |||
| Crawley Town (loan) | 2006–07[40] | Conference National | 45 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1[a] | 0 | 47 | 0 | ||
| Brentford (loan) | 2007–08[36] | League Two | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | |
| 2008–09[37] | League Two | 45 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 49 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11[39] | League One | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | ||
| Total | 75 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 80 | 0 | |||
| Exeter City (loan) | 2010–11[39] | League One | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[b] | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| Charlton Athletic | 2011–12[41] | League One | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0 | |
| 2012–13[42] | Championship | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 42 | 0 | |||
| 2013–14[43] | Championship | 32 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 37 | 0 | |||
| Total | 114 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 121 | 0 | |||
| Leicester City | 2014–15[44] | Premier League | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 10 | 0 | ||
| 2015–16 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2016–17[45] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[c] | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2017–18[46] | Premier League | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 9 | 0 | |||
| Total | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 0 | |||
| Nottingham Forest (loan) | 2015–16[47] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Bristol City (loan) | 2015–16[47] | Championship | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 5 | 0 | ||
| Huddersfield Town | 2018–19[48] | Premier League | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 8 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20[49] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2020–21[50] | Championship | 15 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 | |||
| Total | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | |||
| Derby County (loan) | 2019–20[49] | Championship | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 27 | 0 | ||
| Swansea City | 2020–21[50] | Championship | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| 2021–22[51] | Championship | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 23 | 0 | |||
| Total | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | |||
| Watford | 2022–23[52] | Championship | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2023–24[53] | Championship | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 21 | 0 | |||
| Total | 20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 0 | |||
| Sheffield Wednesday | 2024–25[54] | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Queens Park Rangers | 2025–26[55] | Championship | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 7 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 363 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 401 | 0 | |||
- ^ Appearance in FA Trophy
- ^ a b Appearance in the Football League Trophy
- ^ Appearance in UEFA Champions League
Honours
[edit]Brentford
Charlton Athletic
Individual
References
[edit]- ^ "Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed". Premier League. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
- ^ a b Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2008). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2008–09. Mainstream. ISBN 978-1-84596-324-8.
- ^ "Ben Hamer can't wait for Charlton derby test". southlondon-today.co.uk/Sport. 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
- ^ FC, Reading. "20. Ben Hamer". Reading FC. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
- ^ "Osano impresses as a number of youngsters benefit from current loans". Reading F.C. 9 October 2006. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2006.
- ^ "Four new contracts agreed". Reading F.C. 4 July 2007. Archived from the original on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 7 July 2007.
- ^ "Royals agree another loan move". Reading F.C. 11 August 2007. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ^ "Youngster loan deal extended". Reading F.C. 12 September 2007. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
- ^ "Ben returns". Brentford F.C. 1 January 2008. Archived from the original on 4 January 2008. Retrieved 1 January 2008.
- ^ "Ben's Loan Extended". Brentford F.C. 28 January 2008. Archived from the original on 9 April 2008. Retrieved 28 January 2008.
- ^ "Hamer signs deal & makes loan move". Reading F.C. 17 June 2008. Archived from the original on 5 August 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
- ^ "Ben scoops award". Brentford F.C. 21 May 2009. Archived from the original on 26 May 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2009.
- ^ "Hamer signs two-year deal". Reading F.C. 18 June 2009. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2009.
- ^ "Exeter City sign Reading keeper Ben Hamer on loan". getbracknell.co.uk. 18 June 2009. Archived from the original on 15 February 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2009.
- ^ "Ben Hamer signs new Reading FC deal". BBC Sport. 19 January 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
- ^ "Keeper captured". Charlton Athletic F.C. 1 August 2011. Archived from the original on 19 September 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2012.
- ^ "Delighted To Have Joined @OfficialFoxes". Ben Hamer. 22 May 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
- ^ "Stoke 0–1 Leicester". BBC Sport. 13 September 2014.
- ^ "Leicester City Sign Mark Schwarzer". Leicester City F.C. 6 January 2015. Archived from the original on 3 April 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2015.
- ^ "Champions League – Group G". BBC Sport. 7 December 2016.
- ^ "Reds secure Hamer". Nottingham Forest F.C. 25 July 2015. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
- ^ "Leicester City goalkeeper Ben Hamer returns from Nottingham Forest loan over financial issues". Leicester Mercury. 4 August 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2015.
- ^ "Hamer joins for the season". Bristol City F.C. 11 August 2015. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^ "Hamer heads back to Leicester". Bristol City F.C. 17 November 2015. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ "TRANSFER: BEN HAMER TO JOIN TOWN ON 1 JULY". 1 June 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
- ^ "Rams Land Goalkeeper Hamer on Loan". www.dcfc.co.uk. 8 August 2019.
- ^ "Hamer starts in goal as Cocu makes four changes for QPR clash". www.dcfc.co.uk. 9 March 2020.
- ^ "Official: Hornets Sign Hamer". Watford FC. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ "Official: Ngakia Signs New Contract & Trio Depart". Watford FC. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ "Watford: Jeremy Ngakia signs new deal as Jake Livermore among trio released". BBC Sport. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
- ^ "Ben Hamer agrees Owls deal". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 14 June 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Owls confirm retained list". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ "Goalkeeper Ben Hamer signs". Queens Park Rangers FC. 18 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ^ "Ben Hamer signs new deal". www.qpr.co.uk. 8 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2006/2007". Preston North End Mad. Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ "Crawley Town 2–3 Lewes". Crawley Town Mad. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ a b "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Hamer in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
- ^ "Arsenal striker Robin van Persie named PFA Player of the Year". BBC Sport. 22 April 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
- ^ "Ben scoops award". Brentford F.C. 21 May 2009. Archived from the original on 23 May 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ben Hamer.
- Ben Hamer profile at Charlton Athletic F.C.
- Ben Hamer at Soccerbase
Ben Hamer
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and youth career
Early years in Chard
Benjamin John Hamer was born on 20 November 1987 in Chard, a market town in Somerset, England, to a local family with no notable footballing background.[11][12] Growing up in this rural Somerset environment, Hamer attended Manor Court Primary School and later Holyrood Academy, where he was more focused on sports than academics, often described as a "tearaway" prioritizing play over studies.[12] Although his family relocated to Germany when he was three years old—exposing him to Bayern Munich matches with his father Paul, which ignited his passion for football—Hamer returned to Chard at age eight and spent much of his formative years there.[12][5] As a young fan, he developed a strong affinity for Bristol City, attending matches and later expressing excitement upon joining the club on loan in 2015 as his boyhood team.[13] His early exposure to sports included playing for Chard Town youth teams and participating in Yeovil District matches, where his emerging height of 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) provided a physical advantage during adolescence.[12][11]Joining Reading academy
Hamer was scouted while playing for Somerset at county level and joined Reading's youth academy at the age of 15.[3] To qualify under the academy's catchment area rules, he registered using his mother's address in Oxfordshire, approximately 30 minutes from Reading's facilities, despite living two hours away in Chard, Somerset.[14] In 2004, at age 16, he advanced to scholar and trainee status, marking his formal entry into the club's structured youth development program.[15] Progressing through Reading's age-group teams, Hamer became a regular in the Under-18 squad, where he honed his goalkeeping abilities amid competitive youth fixtures.[12] His consistent performances at this level, including strong showings in matches against other Premier League academies, demonstrated his potential and reliability between the posts.[16] These displays culminated in Hamer signing his first professional contract with Reading in the summer of 2006, securing his place in the club's senior setup while still developing.[3] At Reading's academy, Hamer's early training emphasized adapting to professional standards, including intensive sessions on positioning, reflexes, and command of the penalty area, which were influenced by the club's goalkeeping coaches during a period when Reading competed in the Premier League.[14] Having returned to England from Germany at age eight, he initially faced challenges reintegrating into English-language coaching environments, but this experience contributed to his resilience and communication skills as a young goalkeeper.[14] The academy's regimen, combining technical drills with match preparation, laid the foundation for his shot-stopping prowess and distribution, preparing him for the transition to senior football.[17]Club career
Early loans from Reading (2006–2011)
Hamer's professional career began with a season-long loan to Crawley Town in the Conference National for the 2006–07 campaign, marking his first senior experience away from Reading. He made 45 appearances in all competitions, missing only one league match, and quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. His consistent performances earned him the club's Player of the Season award, highlighting his rapid adaptation to competitive senior football.[3][16] Following his time at Crawley, Hamer embarked on multiple loan spells at Brentford in League Two between 2007 and 2011, totaling 75 league appearances across four separate periods. His initial loan in August 2007 lasted until October, followed by an extension through the end of the 2007–08 season in January 2008, and another full-season stint in 2008–09. A fourth loan came in August 2010, running until January 2011. During the 2008–09 season, Hamer was Brentford's primary goalkeeper, contributing significantly to their League Two championship victory with key saves in crucial matches. That year, he also secured the Puma Golden Glove award, having recorded 20 clean sheets in league play.[18][3][19] In January 2011, Hamer joined League One side Exeter City on a three-month loan to gain exposure at a higher level. He made 19 appearances across league and cup competitions, debuting in a 3–2 win over Walsall on 22 January. This spell tested his ability to handle increased pace and physicality, providing valuable experience in a more competitive environment despite Exeter's mid-table position.[15][20][21] Throughout his time at Reading from 2006 to 2011, Hamer did not make any first-team appearances for the Championship club, instead focusing entirely on developing through these loan moves to non-league and lower-tier Football League sides. These experiences built his resilience and shot-stopping skills, laying the groundwork for his progression to full-time professional contracts.[3][16]Charlton Athletic (2011–2014)
In the summer of 2011, Ben Hamer transferred from Reading to Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract and taking the number one goalkeeper jersey.[4][22] He made his debut for the club on 23 August 2011 in a 1–1 draw against Rochdale in the League Cup, before establishing himself in the starting lineup for the 2011–12 League One season.[4] Hamer played a pivotal role in Charlton's promotion campaign, appearing in 41 league matches as the team clinched the League One title with 93 points.[8] His consistent performances included key saves, such as a penalty stop against Carlisle United in October 2011 that helped secure a 1–0 victory and maintained Charlton's position at the top of the table.[23] Building on confidence gained from prior loan spells at lower-tier clubs, Hamer solidified his status as the first-choice goalkeeper, contributing to 18 clean sheets across all competitions that season.[24] Over the subsequent two Championship seasons, Hamer made 73 additional league appearances (41 in 2012–13 and 32 in 2013–14), helping Charlton maintain mid-table stability. A series of injuries in 2013–14 limited his availability, causing him to miss several matches and briefly lose his place in the side.[25] His contract expired at the end of the 2013–14 season, after which he departed amid interest from Premier League clubs including Leicester City, Burnley, and Fulham.[26][27]Leicester City and loans (2014–2018)
In July 2014, Ben Hamer joined Leicester City on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic, signing a four-year contract ahead of the club's return to the Premier League.[28] His previous experience in the Championship with Charlton aided his adaptation to the demands of top-flight football.[3] During the 2014–15 season, Hamer served as backup to Kasper Schmeichel but made 12 appearances across all competitions, including his Premier League debut on 13 September 2014 in a 1–1 draw against Chelsea at the King Power Stadium. He featured in eight Premier League matches, keeping three clean sheets, and also played in four cup ties, such as the League Cup and FA Cup. However, his role diminished in January 2015 following the arrival of veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer from Chelsea, which relegated Hamer to third choice.[28] Seeking regular playing time, Hamer moved on loan to Championship side Nottingham Forest on 25 July 2015 for the season, but the deal collapsed shortly after due to the club's financial issues, resulting in zero appearances before his quick return to Leicester.[29] He then joined Bristol City on a season-long loan on 11 August 2015, where he made five appearances—four in the league and one in the League Cup—before being recalled by Leicester on 17 November 2015 to provide cover amid injuries.[30] Upon his return, Hamer's opportunities remained limited as Schmeichel established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper during Leicester's remarkable 2015–16 Premier League title-winning campaign, in which Hamer was an unused substitute for all 38 league matches.[7] The following season, Leicester qualified for the Champions League, and Hamer was part of the squad as backup, making his European debut in a 5–0 group-stage defeat to Porto on 7 December 2016, his only appearance in the competition.[31] Hamer featured sparingly thereafter, including four Premier League substitute appearances in 2017–18, bringing his total league outings for Leicester to 12 over four seasons. With his contract expiring and chances of first-team action dwindling, Hamer was released by Leicester as a free agent in June 2018.[32]Huddersfield Town and Derby loan (2018–2021)
Hamer joined Huddersfield Town on a free transfer from Leicester City on 1 July 2018, signing a three-year contract after his release from the Foxes.[33][32] He arrived as competition for first-choice goalkeeper Jonas Lössl, having gained prior Premier League experience during his time at Leicester. In the 2018–19 season, Hamer made seven appearances in the Premier League, primarily as a substitute or in instances of rotation and injury cover, as Huddersfield fought a ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation, finishing bottom of the table. His contributions included a notable performance in a 1–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in February 2019, helping to secure a vital three points in the survival fight. On 8 August 2019, Hamer was loaned to Derby County for the 2019–20 Championship season to provide depth behind Kelle Roos.[34] He quickly established himself as a key player, making 25 appearances (24 starts) and accumulating 2,235 minutes, with a save percentage of 70.7% and three clean sheets.[8] Hamer's solid form, including standout displays such as his debut clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Swansea City, proved instrumental during Derby's inconsistent campaign, where they mounted an early promotion push but ultimately finished 10th amid managerial changes and points deductions.[34] His reliability helped stabilize the defense during a challenging season affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hamer returned to Huddersfield for the 2020–21 Championship season and became the primary goalkeeper, featuring in 15 league matches despite initial fan skepticism. His performances, including key saves in tight fixtures, contributed to the team's gritty survival effort, as they avoided relegation by finishing 20th after a late-season rally under manager Carlos Corberán. Hamer's overall tenure at Huddersfield spanned 22 league appearances across three seasons, marked by his role in high-stakes relegation battles, before his contract expired in June 2021.[24]Swansea City (2021–2022)
In January 2021, Ben Hamer joined Swansea City from Huddersfield Town on an 18-month contract for an undisclosed fee, arriving as an experienced backup to first-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman following an injury to Steven Benda.[35][36] His prior loan spell at Derby County the previous season had equipped him with recent Championship experience, aiding his integration into the squad.[11] During the 2021–22 season, Hamer served primarily in a rotational and deputy role, making 21 appearances in the Championship as cover for Woodman during periods of rest or minor issues.[8] He also featured in cup ties, including one match each in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, where he contributed to early-round progress before Swansea's elimination. Hamer's reliable performances helped maintain defensive stability, with the team conceding an average of 1.24 goals per game across his outings.[8] Swansea City finished 15th in the Championship that season, securing a mid-table position under manager Russell Martin.[37] Hamer's contributions as a squad player supported the club's efforts to build consistency in the second tier. Hamer departed Swansea at the end of his contract in July 2022, becoming a free agent alongside midfielders Korey Smith and Yan Dhanda as part of the club's retained list.[38]Watford (2022–2024)
On 19 July 2022, Hamer joined Watford on a free transfer from Swansea City, signing a two-year contract to provide depth in goal following the club's relegation from the Premier League the previous season.[39][40] He served primarily as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann during the 2022–23 Championship campaign, appearing in just one league match amid a rotation policy influenced by injuries and suspensions. His debut came on 10 April 2023 in a 2–2 draw away at Coventry City, where he replaced the suspended Bachmann and made several key saves, including denying Gustavo Hamer early in the game, though he was at fault for one of the goals conceded after misjudging a shot from Matt Godden.[41][42] Hamer's role expanded in the 2023–24 Championship season, where he made 19 starts, logging 1,710 minutes and contributing to Watford's mid-table finish. He recorded three clean sheets and a 70.7% save percentage across 63 saves from 92 shots on target, including two penalty stops that highlighted his shot-stopping reliability.[8][43] Notable performances included a goalless draw at Sheffield Wednesday on 30 December 2023, marking Watford's first clean sheet in 15 games, and a strong showing in a 0–0 home draw against Middlesbrough on 16 December 2023, where his distribution from the back helped maintain defensive solidity. Despite these efforts, Hamer conceded 28 goals in his appearances as Watford ended the season in 15th place.[44] Hamer was released by Watford on 23 May 2024 upon the expiry of his contract in June, alongside midfielders Jake Livermore and Ashley Fletcher, as part of the club's end-of-season squad overhaul under manager Tom Cleverley.[45][46]Sheffield Wednesday (2024–2025)
In June 2024, Ben Hamer signed a one-year contract with Sheffield Wednesday as a free agent following the expiry of his Watford deal, officially joining the club on 1 July to provide experienced goalkeeping depth ahead of the 2024–25 Championship season.[47][46] Hamer served as the third-choice goalkeeper behind loanee James Beadle and academy product Pierce Charles, contributing to training sessions and maintaining squad competition without securing any first-team appearances across the campaign.[48][49] Manager Danny Röhl praised Hamer's professionalism in training and their positive working relationship, noting his role even extended to supporting warm-ups as the backup option.[48] This limited involvement came amid Sheffield Wednesday's mid-table finish in the Championship, where the team focused on stability after narrowly avoiding relegation the previous year, with Beadle establishing himself as the primary shot-stopper.[50] Hamer's contract expired at the end of June 2025 without extension, marking the conclusion of his brief and unproductive stint at the club after failing to break into the matchday squad.[11][51]Queens Park Rangers (2025–present)
On 19 September 2025, Ben Hamer signed a short-term contract with Queens Park Rangers as a free agent, shortly after his release from Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the previous season.[1] The move provided emergency cover for the club's goalkeeping department, particularly amid an injury to backup goalkeeper Joe Walsh, allowing Hamer to rejoin competitive football after a period of limited playing time.[49] At 37 years old, Hamer brought extensive experience from over 300 career appearances across the English Football League, positioning him as a reliable rotational option behind primary goalkeeper Paul Nardi.[52] Hamer's integration into the QPR squad aligned with the team's mid-table position in the 2025–26 EFL Championship campaign, where they held 16th place with 19 points from 15 matches as of early November.[53] His short-term deal emphasized depth in a season marked by fixture congestion and injury concerns, enabling manager Martí Cifuentes to maintain stability in goal during a push for playoff contention.[54] As of November 2025, Hamer has made one appearance for QPR in the Championship, marking his debut on 8 November 2025 in a 0–0 away draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.[55] In his first competitive outing in 20 months, Hamer delivered a strong performance, securing a clean sheet with several key saves that preserved the point and contributed to ending QPR's three-match winless streak.[56] Post-match, Hamer expressed satisfaction with the clean sheet and his adaptation to the team's defensive setup, highlighting his role as a steady presence in a mid-table push.[55]Personal life
Family background
Ben Hamer was born in Chard, Somerset, to parents with deep roots in the region. His family relocated to Munich, Germany, when he was three years old due to his father's job opportunity there, where they lived until Ben was eight.[9] Hamer's father, Paul, a devoted Bristol City supporter, played a key role in introducing him to football by taking him to matches, including games at Bayern Munich during their time abroad, which sparked Ben's early interest in the sport.[9][2] Both parents provided unwavering support throughout his early career, frequently driving four-hour round trips from their home to Reading for Ben's training sessions and matches after the family returned to England. Paul has publicly expressed pride in his son's achievements.[9][2]Interests and languages
Hamer can hold basic conversations in German, having learned it as his first language during his early childhood in Germany from the ages of three to eight, where he was fluent as a child.[9] A lifelong supporter of Bristol City, Hamer developed his affinity for the club through his family, particularly his father, who took him to matches at Ashton Gate during his youth.[57] Despite pursuing a professional career with various clubs, Hamer has maintained strong emotional ties to Bristol City, attending games when possible and expressing delight in opportunities to play for or against his boyhood team.[57] His family shares this fandom, reinforcing the personal connection to the club rooted in his Somerset upbringing.[57]Playing style and reputation
Goalkeeping attributes
Ben Hamer stands at 6 ft 4 in (192 cm), providing him with a commanding presence in the penalty area that enhances his ability to dominate aerial duels and claim crosses effectively.[58] His height contributes to strong aerial dominance, particularly in set-piece situations, where he has demonstrated reliability in intercepting deliveries into the box.[59] Additionally, Hamer's physical attributes support his proficiency as a shot-stopper, excelling in one-on-one situations and close-range saves through quick reflexes and positioning.[59] Hamer's distribution abilities reflect the demands of modern goalkeeping, with a proficiency in using his feet to initiate build-up play and launch accurate long kicks for counterattacks.[59] This skill has been honed during his time in the Premier League and Championship, where he favors playing out from the back under managers emphasizing possession-based styles.[60] His pass accuracy often exceeds 80% in competitive matches, underscoring his comfort in possession.[31] In lower leagues, Hamer established expertise through notable clean sheet records, including 20 shutouts in 45 League Two appearances during the 2008–09 season with Brentford, earning him the Puma Golden Glove award.[3] Over his career in the lower tiers, he accumulated 22 clean sheets across 65 League Two matches and 30 in 69 League One outings, highlighting his consistency in defensive solidity. Hamer's style has evolved from an aggressive approach in lower-tier football, characterized by frequent off-line rushes to intercept plays, to a more composed demeanor as a reliable backup in the top flight.[58] This maturation includes enhanced mental resilience, allowing him to recover quickly from errors and maintain focus in high-pressure environments after early Premier League challenges.[60]Critical reception
Hamer's early career accolades highlighted his potential as a promising goalkeeper. During a 2006/07 loan spell at Crawley Town, he featured in 45 matches across all competitions, earning the club's Player of the Year award for his consistent performances.[3] His subsequent time at Brentford further solidified this reputation; in the 2008/09 League Two season, Hamer played a pivotal role in the team's promotion to League One, securing the Golden Glove award with 20 clean sheets. Brentford manager Andy Scott praised him as having "done extremely well for us in the past" and being instrumental in the promotion push.[61] At Leicester City from 2014 to 2018, Hamer primarily operated as a backup during the club's Premier League title win and Champions League participation, eliciting mixed critical assessments. He was valued for his reliability in limited appearances, particularly in cup ties where he recorded five clean sheets in 13 total outings, and received commendations for his resilience from manager Craig Shakespeare, who provided opportunities on a "level playing field."[62] However, his role was critiqued for scant starting opportunities—only 20 games over four seasons—amid competition from Kasper Schmeichel and signings like Mark Schwarzer, with Hamer later reflecting on his initial "childish" and naive responses to the situation as a significant learning curve.[63] Nigel Pearson offered a vote of confidence, describing Hamer as composed, unfazed, and capable when stepping in for the injured Schmeichel.[64] Hamer garnered positive feedback in the Championship for his consistency while rotating between Derby County and Swansea City. On a 2019/20 loan at Derby, he started 20 consecutive league matches from late November, crediting the move with restoring his enjoyment of football, confidence, and a positive team atmosphere under Wayne Rooney.[65] At Swansea in 2021/22, he contributed nine clean sheets to the league's best defensive record, including an "incredible" triple save in a 0-0 draw against Derby, and was lauded for his comfort on the ball and solidity at home.[66] Huddersfield's Leigh Bromby, upon his transfer, described him as a "fantastic character" who had performed well that season.[67] Throughout his career, Hamer has earned a reputation as a dependable journeyman goalkeeper, recognized for his shot-stopping and experience in high-pressure environments.[59] His 2025 short-term signing with Queens Park Rangers as a free agent is seen as a resurgence opportunity, offering depth amid injuries and allowing him to leverage his composure, as evidenced by key saves in his debut clean sheet against Sheffield United.[1][68]Career statistics
Club statistics
Ben Hamer has amassed over 390 senior appearances in domestic competitions throughout his professional career, spanning multiple English leagues, cups, and playoffs. His statistics include a total of 394 appearances, 525 goals conceded, and 121 clean sheets across all clubs. The breakdown below aggregates data by club, encompassing league matches (e.g., Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two), domestic cups (FA Cup, EFL Cup), and playoffs where applicable.[69]| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Notes on Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 2006–2011 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 4 Championship, 1 cup; limited first-team outings before loans. |
| Crawley Town (loan) | 2006–2007 | 46 | 52 | 14 | 45 Conference National, 1 cup. |
| Brentford (loan) | 2007–2011 | 80 | 80 | 27 | Primarily League Two and League One, 5 cups; multiple loan spells. |
| Exeter City (loan) | 2010–2011 | 19 | 24 | 7 | League One (18 apps), 1 cup; contributed to survival efforts. |
| Charlton Athletic | 2011–2014 | 121 | 135 | 40 | 36 League One, 73 Championship, 8 cups, 4 playoffs; key in 2011–12 promotion. |
| Leicester City | 2014–2018 | 20 | 25 | 7 | 12 Premier League, 3 cups, 5 other; mostly backup role. |
| Nottingham Forest (loan) | 2015–2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Signed on loan but no competitive appearances. |
| Bristol City (loan) | 2015–2016 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 Championship, 1 cup. |
| Huddersfield Town | 2018–2021 | 25 | 45 | 6 | 8 Premier League, 14 Championship, 2 cups, 1 playoff. |
| Derby County (loan) | 2019–2020 | 27 | 37 | 5 | 24 Championship, 2 cups, 1 playoff; 1 sub appearance. |
| Swansea City | 2021–2022 | 23 | 30 | 9 | 21 Championship, 2 cups; solid performer in promotion-contending side. |
| Watford | 2022–2024 | 22 | 32 | 3 | 20 Championship, 1 cup, 1 playoff; third-choice initially, more starts in 2023–24. |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 2024–2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Signed but no competitive appearances before release. |
| Queens Park Rangers | 2025– | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 Championship (clean sheet vs. Sheffield United, November 2025). |
| Career Totals | 2006–2025 | 394 | 525 | 121 | Includes all domestic senior competitions up to November 19, 2025. |