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Ben Pollock
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Ben Pollock (born 6 January 1998) is an English footballer who plays as a defender for National League North club Spennymoor Town.
Key Information
Career
[edit]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]
On 18 February 2025, Pollock returned to former club Spennymoor Town for an undisclosed fee.[12]
Style of play
[edit]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
[edit]Ben's father, Jamie Pollock, is also a former professional footballer.[13] His brother, Mattie Pollock, plays for Watford.
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played 26 April 2025
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Hartlepool United | 2016–17[14] | League Two | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Dunston UTS | 2017–18[15] | Northern League Division One | 24 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 24 | 2 | |
| Billingham Synthonia | 2018–19[16] | Northern League Division Two | 37 | 8 | 2 | 0 | — | 2[b] | 0 | 41 | 8 | |
| Hereford | 2019–20[17] | National League North | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2020–21[17] | National League North | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4[c] | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
| 2021–22[17] | National League North | 39 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 40 | 0 | ||
| Total | 54 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | 59 | 0 | |||
| Boston United | 2022–23[17] | National League North | 43 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 1[c] | 0 | 44 | 1 | |
| Spennymoor Town | 2023–24[17] | National League North | 39 | 3 | 1 | 0 | — | 1[c] | 0 | 41 | 3 | |
| Chester | 2024–25[17] | National League North | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 1[c] | 0 | 18 | 0 | |
| Spennymoor Town | 2024–25[17] | National League North | 14 | 0 | — | — | — | 14 | 0 | |||
| Career total | 226 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 243 | 14 | ||
References
[edit]- ^ "Ben Pollock". Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
- ^ "Hartlepool United: James Martin and Ben Pollock sign professional deals". BBC Sport. 24 May 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Town Power Past Rangers". Archived from the original on 28 July 2017.
- ^ a b c "Ben Pollock and a story of setbacks, support from dad Jamie, calls from Paul Wilkinson & Wembley". Teesside Live. 15 April 2021.
- ^ Griffiths, Jamie (4 October 2019). "Bulls Bring in Midfielder Pollock". Hereford FC. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- ^ "Hereford FC 'player of season' leaves". Hereford Times. 1 June 2022.
- ^ "United confirm Pollock signing". Boston United. 7 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Welcome to Chester FC, Ben Pollock!". Chester FC. 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
- ^ Simpson, Mark (20 June 2023). "Ben Pollock Signs For Spennymoor Town". Spennymoor Town FC. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
- ^ "Ben Pollock Completes Spennymoor Return". spennymoortownfc.co.uk. 18 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ "Newcastle United | Teams | Profiles | Academy | Academy Player Profile | Ben Pollock". www.nufc.co.uk. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- ^ "Games played by Ben Pollock in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
- ^ "Ben Pollock". www.dunstonfc.co.uk. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ "Billingham Synthonia - Player Stats". Billingham Synthonia FC. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ben Pollock at Soccerway. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
External links
[edit]- Spennymoor Town profile
- Boston United profile
- Ben Pollock at Soccerbase
- Ben Pollock at Soccerway
Ben Pollock
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Ben Pollock (born 6 January 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for National League North club Spennymoor Town.[1]
Born in Bolton, Pollock began his youth career at Middlesbrough and Leeds United before joining Newcastle United's academy in 2014. He signed his first professional contract with Hartlepool United in 2016, making a handful of appearances in League Two.[1] After leaving Hartlepool, he moved into non-league football, playing for clubs including Hereford, where he was named Fans’ Player of the Year in 2021–22, and Boston United, earning multiple player of the year awards in 2022–23.[2]
Pollock joined Spennymoor Town in 2023, scoring three goals in 39 appearances during the 2023–24 season, before moving to Chester FC for the 2024–25 campaign. He re-joined Spennymoor Town in February 2025 on a contract until June 2026. As of November 2025, he remains with the club.[1]
These figures include league matches, cups, and play-offs, with Spennymoor Town accounting for the majority of his recent output in the National League North.[25]
In the National League North, Pollock's seasonal distribution highlights his consistency in the sixth tier:
*As of November 16, 2025. This accounts for the bulk of his league minutes, approximately 13,500, predominantly as a defender.[14][33]
Early life
Birth and family
Ben Pollock was born on 6 January 1998 in Bolton, England, during his father's tenure with Bolton Wanderers.[1][3] He is the son of Jamie Pollock, a former professional midfielder who enjoyed a successful career spanning over a decade, including stints with Middlesbrough, where he made over 200 appearances and helped secure promotion to the Premier League in 1995, as well as Manchester City and Crystal Palace.[3][4] Pollock's younger brother, Mattie Pollock, is also a professional footballer, who plays as a centre-back for Watford in the EFL Championship (as of November 2025).[5][6] From an early age, Ben was profoundly influenced by his father's professional journey, which exposed him to the rigors and excitement of elite football and fueled his passion for the sport. Jamie provided invaluable guidance, sharing insights from his own encounters with Premier League stars like Roy Keane and Eric Cantona, while encouraging Ben to develop a strong footballing mindset.[7] Although born in Bolton due to Jamie's playing commitments, Ben was raised in Nunthorpe, a suburb on Teesside near Middlesbrough, an area steeped in football heritage with strong community ties to the sport. The family's relocation back to Teesside after Jamie's time at Bolton allowed Ben to grow up in a supportive environment where local Sunday league football, combined with his father's hands-on involvement, laid the foundation for his early development in the game.[7]Youth career
Pollock joined Middlesbrough's youth academy at the age of nine in 2007, having impressed while playing Sunday league football for Nunthorpe Athletic.[7] During his five-year stint there, he focused on developing as a centre-back, honing defensive fundamentals through structured training sessions despite facing a significant setback with knee surgery at under-14 level that caused him to miss nearly a year of play.[7] His father, former professional footballer Jamie Pollock, provided early coaching influence, offering post-training feedback that emphasized tactical awareness and skill refinement.[7] In 2012, at age 14, Pollock transferred to Leeds United's academy alongside his brother Mattie to better align with family logistics following their father's earlier departure from Middlesbrough.[7] He continued his defensive development in Leeds' youth system until 2014, participating in competitive matches that built his physicality and positional discipline.[1] After being released by Leeds, Pollock joined Newcastle United on a two-year scholarship, where he captained the youth team and gained exposure in high-stakes fixtures, including the FA Youth Cup, further strengthening his leadership and game-reading abilities under academy coaches.[7][8][1] Upon completion of his Newcastle scholarship in early 2016, Pollock trialed successfully with Hartlepool United and signed his first professional contract in May 2016 at age 18, marking the end of his youth development phase.[9][10] Throughout his academy years, his progression as a defender was shaped by rigorous technical drills and match experience across multiple clubs, preparing him for senior-level demands.[2]Club career
Hartlepool United
Pollock signed his first professional contract with Hartlepool United on 24 May 2016, joining the club on a free transfer after a successful trial period following his release from Newcastle United's youth setup.[10] The 18-year-old centre-back, who had previously captained Newcastle's youth teams, aimed to break into the first-team squad during Hartlepool's 2016–17 EFL League Two campaign.[11] He made his senior debut on 4 October 2016, starting as a centre-back in a 0–1 home defeat to Sunderland U23 in the EFL Trophy group stage at Victoria Park.[12] Pollock's second and final first-team appearance came later that month, starting again in the EFL Trophy quarter-final on 9 November 2016, where Hartlepool lost 1–2 to Rochdale.[13] With only two senior outings, primarily in the EFL Trophy, his role remained limited due to established defensive options in the league, though he contributed to the reserve team during the season.[14] Hartlepool struggled throughout the 2016–17 season, ultimately finishing 23rd in EFL League Two and suffering relegation to the National League after a 2–1 win over Doncaster Rovers on the final day proved insufficient to avoid the drop.[15] The club's relegation, marking the end of their 96-year stint in the Football League, compounded Pollock's challenges with scarce playing time, leading to his release alongside eight other players on 18 May 2017.[16]Non-league career
After departing Hartlepool United in 2017, Pollock joined Northern League Division One side Dunston UTS on 30 August 2017, where he made 24 appearances and scored twice during the 2017–2018 season, primarily featuring as a defender.[17] His performances in the lower tiers helped him gain consistent playing time and build experience following his early professional exposure.[18] In 2018, Pollock moved to Billingham Synthonia in the Northern League Premier Division, marking a significant positional shift as he transitioned from defender to central midfielder under his father Jamie's management.[7] Over the 2018–2019 season, he featured in 37 matches and netted eight goals, showcasing his adaptability and contributing to the team's midfield dynamics before earning a step up to National League North level.[1] Pollock signed with Hereford on 4 October 2019, where he spent three seasons (2019–2022) as a key squad member, making 54 appearances without scoring but establishing himself as a reliable presence.[1] Initially deployed as a defensive midfielder, he adapted to a central defensive role amid injury disruptions, becoming one of the club's most consistent performers and declining a contract extension in pursuit of new opportunities.[19][20] Seeking regular starts, Pollock joined National League North rivals Boston United on 7 June 2022, where he played 43 games and scored once across the 2022–2023 campaign, solidifying his defensive contributions in a competitive environment.[21] His solid showings at the back prompted a move to Spennymoor Town on 20 June 2023, where he featured in 39 matches and scored three goals during the 2023–2024 season, helping the team maintain stability in the sixth tier.[18][2] Following the expiration of his Spennymoor contract, Pollock transferred to fellow National League North club Chester on 11 May 2024 as their first summer signing, aiming to secure a prominent role in defense.[22] However, after a brief spell that included limited appearances, he returned to Spennymoor on 18 February 2025 for an undisclosed fee, expressing delight at re-joining the club and committing to ongoing non-league football amid the 2024–2025 season.[23][24] This progression across Northern League and National League North sides underscores Pollock's accumulation of over 200 non-league appearances, driven by a focus on consistent game time and positional versatility.[25]Playing style
Positional versatility
Ben Pollock developed primarily as a centre-back during his youth career at Middlesbrough, Leeds United, and Newcastle United and his early professional stint with Hartlepool United, where he featured in defensive roles across 2 appearances in the 2016–2017 season.[26] His physical attributes, standing at 1.83 meters, suited him well for central defensive duties, emphasizing aerial duels and ball distribution from the back.[1] A notable shift occurred during the 2018–2019 season at Billingham Synthonia in the Northern League Division Two, where Pollock transitioned into central midfield, allowing him to leverage his defensive instincts in a more advanced, box-to-box role while maintaining positional discipline.[1] This adaptation highlighted his growing tactical awareness, as he contributed to 37 appearances for the club before moving on. At non-league sides like Dunston UTS, he continued to operate predominantly as a centre-back following his release from Hartlepool.[17] Pollock's versatility became particularly evident at Hereford in the National League North, where he was deployed across midfield and defense, making 15 appearances in the 2019–2020 season after joining in October.[27] A key example came in a pre-season friendly against Westfields in July 2021, where he played as a centre-half in a 3–1 victory and scored the second goal, demonstrating his comfort in adapting to a back-three formation.[28] His performances earned him Hereford's Player of the Year award, underscoring his reliability in multiple roles during a season marked by injuries.[21] Upon transferring to Boston United in June 2022, manager Paul Cox praised Pollock's flexibility, noting his effectiveness in midfield, at centre-half, and even right-back, which provided crucial depth in the squad's defensive setup.[21] This multi-positional capability allowed Boston to adjust tactics dynamically in National League North matches, such as covering flanks during transitions or anchoring midfield in pressing systems. As of 2025, following a stint at Chester FC, Pollock returned to Spennymoor Town in February 2025, where he continues to be utilized mainly as a centre-back with occasional midfield shifts, enhancing team flexibility in lower-tier competitions where squad rotation is essential.[1][2][23] Overall, Pollock's ability to seamlessly switch between defensive and midfield positions has been a cornerstone of his career in non-league football, enabling managers to maintain tactical balance amid injuries and fixture demands without compromising defensive solidity.[21]Key attributes
Ben Pollock is renowned for his physical presence and aerial dominance, making him a formidable centre-back in non-league football. At 183 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, he excels in defensive duels, particularly in the air, where his commanding stature allows him to win a high percentage of aerial challenges—averaging 0.92 successful aerial duels per game in the 2025–2026 season.[29] Upon signing for Chester FC in 2024, manager Calum McIntyre praised Pollock's ability to "dominate aerially," describing him as a player whose data marked him as one of the highest-performing defenders in the National League North the prior season, adding the "physical dynamic" needed to meet the league's demands.[30] His reliability and work rate further define his profile, earning consistent acclaim from coaches for his dependability in high-pressure non-league environments. During his time at Hereford FC, manager Josh Gowling hailed Pollock as "the most consistent player" of the season, crediting his "great attitude second to none" and hard-working ethic that saw him miss only a handful of matches after transitioning to a full-time centre-half role.[19] Gowling also called him "our best player" and "absolutely fantastic," underscoring his reliability in defensive setups and commitment, including relocating closer to the club for training.[19] While Pollock's physicality and experience suit the robust nature of non-league play, where he has thrived with multiple Player of the Year honors—including fans' votes at Hereford in 2021/22 and a treble of awards (Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and Supporters' Player of the Year) at Boston United in 2022/23—his career trajectory reflects occasional challenges in pace and technical finesse against higher-tier opposition.[2] Early assessments noted limitations in physical build for centre-back duties, prompting a shift to defensive midfield before his successful adaptation.[7] Nonetheless, his leadership qualities and hunger to progress shine through, as Gowling lamented missing him most upon his 2022 departure, calling him an "absolute fantastic servant" to the club.[31]Career statistics
Club statistics
Pollock has made a total of 241 appearances and scored 14 goals across his club career as of November 16, 2025, primarily in defensive roles with occasional midfield contributions.[25] His minutes played exceed 15,900, with over 90% accumulated as a centre-back or right-back, reflecting his positional focus in non-league competitions.[32] The following table summarizes his appearances, goals, and assists by club, encompassing all competitions:| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartlepool United | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dunston UTS | 24 | 2 | 0 |
| Billingham Synthonia | 37 | 8 | 0 |
| Hereford FC | 54 | 0 | 0 |
| Boston United | 42 | 1 | 0 |
| Chester FC | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Spennymoor Town | 67 | 3 | 2 |
| Total | 241 | 14 | 2 |
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Hereford FC | 13 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | Hereford FC | 2 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Hereford FC | 39 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Boston United | 42 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | Spennymoor Town | 39 | 3 |
| 2024–25 | Chester FC / Spennymoor Town | 29 | 0 |
| 2025–26* | Spennymoor Town | 14 | 0 |
| Total | 178 | 4 |