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Ben Whitfield
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Ben Whitfield
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Benjamin Michael Whitfield (born 28 February 1996) is an English professional footballer for EFL League Two club Barrow. He can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.

Key Information

Whitfield spent time in the youth teams at Bradford City and Silsden before making his first-team debut for Guiseley in December 2013. He signed with AFC Bournemouth the following month and spent most of the 2015–16 season on loan at Kidderminster Harriers – where he was named as the club's Player of the Year – and the 2016–17 season on loan at Yeovil Town and 2017–18 season on loan at Port Vale. He joined Port Vale permanently in August 2018, though he left the club 13 months later to join non-League Torquay United. He was named Torquay's Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season but left the club shortly after their defeat in the 2021 National League play-off final. He joined Stockport County in July 2021 and helped the club to win promotion into the English Football League as champions of the National League in the 2021–22 season. He signed with Barrow in July 2022. After two seasons with Barrow, he joined Burton Albion, only to return to Barrow on loan in February 2025. The loan was made permanent in August 2025.

Career

[edit]

Guiseley

[edit]

Whitfield was part of the Bradford City academy until the age of 16.[4] Upon his release from Bradford's youth system Whitfield joined the Silsden under-19 side,[5] before signing for the Guiseley academy.[6] On 3 December 2013, Whitfield made his debut for Guiseley in a 2–1 victory over Selby Town in the quarter-finals of the West Riding County Cup.[7] Two weeks later he joined Huddersfield Town on trial.[8]

Bournemouth

[edit]

In January 2014, Whitfield signed for Championship side AFC Bournemouth on an 18-month contract.[9][10] Having been linked to a number of Premier League and English Football League clubs, Whitfield stated that manager Eddie Howe "was a big part of why I decided to come down here because of the way he coaches and his teams play".[11]

Kidderminster Harriers loan

[edit]

On 12 October 2015, Whitfield joined National League side Kidderminster Harriers on an initial one-month loan.[12] He was signed by football development director Colin Gordon shortly before the arrival of new manager Dave Hockaday.[13] Whitfield quickly made an impression at Aggborough, and made a goalscoring debut the following day for Kidderminster in a 2–2 draw at Altrincham.[14] The loan deal was extended into the new year, and Whitfield said he appreciated the support shown to him by Harriers fans.[15] On 15 February, his loan deal was extended until the end of the season.[16] He also signed a new one-year contract with Bournemouth.[17] Whitfield scored a total of six goals in 31 appearances whilst on loan for Kidderminster, and although he could not help them avoid relegation at the end of the 2015–16 season, his performances earned him the club's Player of the Year and the Supporters Player of the Year awards.[18][19]

Yeovil Town loan

[edit]

On 25 August 2016, Whitfield joined League Two side Yeovil Town on loan until January 2017.[20] He made his Football League debut two days later as a second-half substitute in a 4–1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers.[21] He scored his first goal for Yeovil at Stevenage on 12 November, when his stoppage-time volley was enough to salvage a point in a 2–2 draw.[22] On 5 January, Whitfield and his fellow Bournemouth loanee Matt Butcher's loans were extended until the end of the 2016–17 season.[23] He received the first booking of his career on 1 April, when he was dismissed for an elbow on Tom Miller in a 2–0 defeat to Carlisle United at Huish Park.[24] Manager Darren Way said that the sending off would prove to be a learning curve for the player.[25] Whitfield scored three goals from 42 appearances across the 2016–17 campaign as the "Glovers" posted a 20th-place finish.[26]

Port Vale

[edit]

On 4 August 2017, Whitfield joined League Two side Port Vale on loan until January 2018.[27] He maintained a first-team place under Michael Brown's stewardship, and held on to his place under new manager Neil Aspin, and his well-taken volley secured Aspin his first win as "Valiants" manager in a 3–1 victory over Cheltenham Town at Vale Park on 14 October; the goal was later shortlisted for the League Two goal of the month award.[28][29] However, he injured his ankle seven days later in a 1–0 win at Exeter City and was ruled out of action for five weeks.[30][31] Despite interest from other clubs, his loan at Port Vale was extended until the end of the 2017–18 season after the club's initial transfer offer of around £35,000 was not completed.[32][33] However, by his own admission he was unable to live up to the high standards he set in December, describing his form as "inconsistent" in the second half of the campaign.[34] On 30 March, he scored the winning goal in a crucial 2–1 home victory over Chesterfield.[35] He was offered a new contract by Bournemouth in May 2018.[36]

On 30 August 2018, Whitfield signed a two-year contract with Port Vale.[37] Aspin said that the deal to sign Whitfield in January had fallen through due to the player's agent, adding that: "He's changed his agent now and in football and in life you've got to give people another chance."[38] He was in and out of the first-team as he struggled for consistency under both Aspin and new manager John Askey, and ended the 2018–19 season on the transfer-list after he scored four goals in 33 appearances.[39][40] In July 2019 he went on trial at Cheltenham Town.[41] His contract with Port Vale was terminated by mutual consent on 3 September.[42] The player's agent, Dan Fletcher, took to Twitter to say that "Sometimes you have to do everything you can to get a player away from a manager, even if that means taking a step back to go several steps forward".[43]

Torquay United

[edit]

After leaving Port Vale, Whitfield immediately signed for National League club Torquay United.[44] He scored seven goals in 32 appearances for the "Gulls" in the 2019–20 season, which was permanently suspended on 26 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England, with United in 15th-place.[45] He won the club's Player of the Year award and was described as "a great asset to the squad" by manager Gary Johnson.[46] He scored six goals from 33 appearances in the 2020–21 season, but ended the campaign injured and was not in the matchday squad for the play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United.[47][48][49] He was linked with a move to Swindon Town, but denied rumours that he had rejected Torquay's offer of a new contract.[50]

Stockport County

[edit]

On 7 July 2021, Whitfield signed a two-year deal with National League club Stockport County.[51] Two troublesome injuries meant that he was limited to eight league starts in the 2021–22 campaign, scoring three goals from 19 appearances in all competitions as Dave Challinor's "Hatters" secured promotion into the Football League as champions of the National League.[47][52]

Barrow

[edit]

On 21 July 2022, Whitfield signed for League Two club Barrow on a two-year deal; he joined on a free transfer, with Stockport retaining a sell-on fee.[53][54] He was nominated for League Two's Player of the Month award for August after starting his time at Holker Street with four assists and one "superb solo" goal against Bradford City.[55] He played 51 of the club's 53 matches throughout the 2022–23 campaign, scoring six goals and providing twelve league assists.[56][57] He missed August 2023 with an Achilles issue.[58] Manager Pete Wild began to play him as a striker. Whitfield adapted well to the new role, winning a nomination for the EFL League Two Player of the Month Award after he scored four goals in December.[59][60] He scored 11 goals in 40 games during the 2023–24 season and entered discussions over a new contract.[61][62] During his time at Holker Street, Whitfield became widely known amongst supporters as 'Tricky Ben', a nickname derived from a chant, reflecting his speed and agility on the field.[63]

Burton Albion

[edit]

On 18 June 2024, Whitfield agreed on a two-year deal with League One club Burton Albion.[64] He said he was excited to play at a higher level than he had previously done in his career.[65] On 3 February 2025, he rejoined Barrow on loan until the end of the 2024–25 season having scored three goals in 30 appearances for the "Brewers".[66] He had found playing hard to come by after Gary Bowyer replaced Mark Robinson and Tom Hounsell as head coach.[67] On 8 March, he provided his third assist of the season in a 2–0 home victory over Accrington Stanley, making five assists in the match, he was named on the EFL Team of the Week.[68]

Return to Barrow

[edit]

On 3 February 2025, Whitfield returned to Barrow on a short-term loan.[69] He scored two goals in 17 games for Barrow.[70]

On 22 August 2025, Whitfield signed permanently for Barrow, after Burton Albion terminated his contract.[71] Eight days later, an incident occurred at half-time during Barrow's 1–0 at home to Fleetwood Town which resulted in Whitfield receiving a retrospective three match ban for violent conduct.[72] Head coach Andy Whing said this was "very harsh".[73]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 19 August 2025
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
Guiseley 2013–14[74] Conference North 0 0 0 0 — 1[a] 0 1 0
AFC Bournemouth 2013–14[75] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2014–15[76] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2015–16[18] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2016–17[26] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2017–18[77] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Kidderminster Harriers (loan) 2015–16[18] National League 29 6 1 0 — 1[b] 0 31 6
Yeovil Town (loan) 2016–17[26] League Two 34 2 2 0 0 0 6[c] 1 42 3
Port Vale (loan) 2017–18[77] League Two 37 4 0 0 0 0 2[c] 0 39 4
Port Vale 2018–19[78] League Two 30 4 1 0 0 0 2[c] 0 33 4
2019–20[79] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 67 8 1 0 0 0 4 0 72 8
Torquay United 2019–20[47] National League 28 6 2 1 — 2[b] 0 32 7
2020–21[47] National League 27 5 2 1 — 4[b] 0 33 6
Total 55 11 4 2 — 6 0 65 13
Stockport County 2021–22[47] National League 15 2 2 1 — 2[b] 0 19 3
Barrow 2022–23[56] League Two 45 5 1 0 2 1 3[c] 0 51 6
2023–24[61] League Two 36 8 2 2 0 0 2[c] 1 40 11
Total 81 13 3 2 2 1 5 1 91 19
Burton Albion 2024–25[70] League One 23 1 2 0 1 0 4[c] 2 30 3
2025–26[80] League One 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
Total 23 1 2 0 2 1 4 2 31 4
Barrow (loan) 2024–25[70] League Two 17 2 — — — 17 2
Barrow 2025–26[80] League Two 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
Career totals 321 45 15 5 4 2 28 4 368 56
  1. ^ Appearance in West Riding County Cup
  2. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
  3. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in EFL Trophy

Honours

[edit]

Stockport County

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ben Whitfield

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Benjamin Michael Whitfield (born 28 February 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central for club Barrow. Standing at 1.65 metres tall and right-footed, he is known for his versatility, also capable of operating as a left or attacking . Born in , , Whitfield began his youth career with City before joining AFC Bournemouth's academy in 2014. Whitfield began his senior career with , making his debut in December 2013, before joining in January 2014. His senior career progressed with spells from , including a productive stint at Harriers in the during the 2015–16 season, where he made 28 appearances and scored 6 goals. He followed this with loans to Town in League Two (2016–17, 22 league appearances, 2 goals) and Port Vale in League Two (2017–18, 25 league appearances, 4 goals). In 2018, he joined Port Vale on a permanent basis, featuring in 17 league games and scoring 4 goals during the 2018–19 season before departing in 2019. Whitfield then moved to Torquay United in the National League for the 2019–21 period, where he enjoyed a consistent run with 53 league appearances and 11 goals, contributing to the club's promotion push. He signed with County in 2021, making 8 league appearances and scoring 2 goals in the 2021–22 season as the team won the National League title. He joined Barrow in July 2022, spending two seasons there before moving to Burton Albion in 2024. After a brief spell at Burton Albion in League One (2024–25, 13 league appearances, 1 goal), Whitfield returned to Barrow, initially on loan in February 2025 and permanently in August 2025 on a two-year . In 2025, he received a three-match ban for violent conduct during a match against Fleetwood Town. Across his career to date, Whitfield has amassed over 300 appearances and 50 goals in English football's lower leagues.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Benjamin Michael Whitfield was born on 28 February 1996 in , , . He grew up in , a town in the region known for its strong community ties and local sports involvement. Standing at a height of 1.65 meters, Whitfield's compact build became a notable physical attribute during his early development as a footballer, allowing for agility on the pitch. His father played a supportive role in his early football pursuits by arranging a trial at a local academy. Whitfield's initial interest in football likely stemmed from the vibrant local sports culture in , where community games and school activities provided early exposure to the sport. This foundation led to his transition into structured youth training at the Bradford City academy.

Youth football development

Whitfield began his organized football journey at the age of six, joining the City academy in 2002 and remaining there for a decade. He progressed through the club's , participating in age-group teams from under-7 to under-16 levels, honing fundamental skills in a competitive environment typical of Category 3 academies. Despite his development, he was released at age 16 in 2012 without securing a , a decision influenced by the intense competition for limited spots in professional setups. Following his departure from , Whitfield briefly joined the under-19 at Silsden AFC in 2012, a local non-league club that provided continued exposure to structured youth football. This short stint served as a bridge, allowing him to maintain match fitness and skill practice amid the transition to new opportunities. In late 2012, Whitfield trialed successfully at Guiseley AFC's , earning a youth through recommendations from his contacts. Under coach Dave Currie, he focused on building a strong technical foundation, emphasizing ball control and positional awareness as an attacking winger—skills that would define his playing style. His tenure there, lasting until 2013, marked a pivotal phase in his maturation. Whitfield's first notable competitive youth appearances came during Guiseley's 2013 FA Youth Cup campaign, where he played a key role in the team's progression through the qualifying rounds. The side defeated Brighouse Town 3–1 in a replay after an abandoned first match, advanced past Hall Road Rangers on penalties, and secured a 2–0 extra-time victory over Grimsby Town, culminating in a first-round proper match against Bury. He scored in the opening professional-level youth match against Bury, showcasing his goal-scoring threat from wide areas and drawing early scout attention from higher-tier clubs. These performances highlighted his potential and paved the way for professional interest, including trials that led to his signing with AFC Bournemouth's academy in 2014.

Club career

Guiseley

Ben Whitfield joined 's youth setup in 2012 following a trial arranged through his father's contacts and positive references from Bradford City, where academy director Dave Currie accepted him without an initial viewing. As a 17-year-old, Whitfield transitioned to the senior team in 2013, marking his entry into professional football in the Conference North. His debut came on 3 December 2013, substituting in a 2–1 win against Selby Town in the West Riding County Cup quarter-finals, with goals from Ryan Williams and Jake Lawlor securing progression. Primarily deployed as a winger, Whitfield trained regularly with Guiseley's first team during the 2013–14 season and contributed in cup competitions, including scoring an equaliser in an replay against Brighouse Town as part of the academy side that advanced to the first round proper after defeating Town and facing Bury. His limited senior outings highlighted his potential amid the club's promotion push in the Conference North, where they finished fourth and reached the play-off semi-finals. Whitfield's development at attracted interest from professional clubs, leading to his transfer to on 31 January 2014 after a successful trial, providing an opportunity at level with an 18-month contract and integration into their development squad under manager .

AFC Bournemouth

Ben Whitfield joined in January 2014, signing a professional contract on transfer deadline day after impressing with his performances for non-league side , where he had made an early senior debut. At just 17 years old, the move represented a significant step up to the club's academy system, where he was integrated into the professional environment under manager . From 2014 to 2018, Whitfield was primarily involved with 's under-21 and development squads, featuring regularly in youth matches while also participating in first-team training sessions, particularly during pre-seasons. He occasionally trained alongside the senior players and was named in matchday squads as a substitute, including as the 19th man for a fixture against Manchester United, though he never made a competitive first-team appearance for the club. Despite the promotion of to the during this period, Whitfield extended his contract multiple times, focusing on his progression within the youth setup. Whitfield's time at Bournemouth significantly enhanced his personal development, with the high-intensity training regime under Howe improving his fitness levels and instilling a greater tactical awareness suited to higher levels of professional football. The experience of relocating far from home at a young age also fostered independence, supported by the club's initial flexible arrangements allowing periodic returns north. These elements prepared him effectively for subsequent opportunities to gain senior match experience elsewhere, as emphasized in Howe's development philosophy.

Loans from Bournemouth

Whitfield joined Kidderminster Harriers on loan from in October 2015, remaining with the club until the end of the 2015–16 season in the . During his time there, he made 29 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists, which contributed to the team's efforts to avoid relegation. Notably, Whitfield scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Halifax Town in April 2016, helping keep alive Kidderminster's slim survival hopes in the league. His performances earned him the club's Player of the Year award for the season. Upon completion of the loan, Whitfield returned to . In August 2016, Whitfield was loaned to Yeovil Town in League Two for the 2016–17 season, with the deal initially until before being extended. He featured in 34 league matches, netting 2 goals and recording 5 assists, while making additional appearances in cup competitions for a total of 42 games and 3 goals across all fronts. These contributions supported Yeovil's mid-table finish, securing 20th place and avoiding relegation. Whitfield returned to at the end of the campaign. Whitfield's next loan came in August 2017 to Port Vale in League Two, where he stayed for the entire 2017–18 season following an extension in January 2018. He appeared in 37 league games, scoring 4 goals and assisting 3, with further outings in cups totaling 40 appearances. His consistent displays as a dynamic presence in midfield drew attention for his potential permanent transfer. He again returned to upon the loan's conclusion. These loan spells from provided Whitfield with crucial experience in competitive senior football across the lower tiers, allowing him to adapt effectively and demonstrate versatility as an attacking and winger through his goal-scoring and creative contributions. The academy grounding at facilitated his successful integration into these environments, enhancing his development before each return to the parent club.

Port Vale

Whitfield signed a permanent two-year contract with Port Vale from in August 2018 for an undisclosed fee, following a successful loan spell at the club the previous season that had established his familiarity with the and league. In the 2018–19 League Two season, Whitfield adapted to a full-time starting role, making 17 league appearances and scoring 4 goals as he became a regular in the attacking midfield or wide positions. His contributions helped Port Vale secure a mid-table finish in 20th place, avoiding relegation with 49 points from 46 matches. Key moments included goals in victories over Northampton Town on 15 September 2018 and Lincoln City on 13 October 2018, as well as a strike against Oldham Athletic on 29 December 2018. Particularly notable was his goal in a 1–2 home defeat to local rivals Tranmere Rovers on 19 February 2019, which ended Port Vale's club-record 571-minute drought without scoring and provided a rare highlight during a tough run. At the conclusion of the 2018–19 campaign, manager placed Whitfield on the transfer list amid a squad overhaul. His contract was mutually terminated on 3 September 2019, after just three appearances in the early stages of the 2019–20 season, allowing him to pursue new opportunities elsewhere.

Torquay United

Whitfield joined United on a free transfer in September 2019 following his release from Port Vale. The 23-year-old signed as a key addition to manager Gary Johnson's in the National League, bringing versatility and attacking flair from his prior EFL experience. In the 2019–20 season, Whitfield quickly established himself as a vital contributor despite the campaign being curtailed by the after 36 matches. He made 28 appearances in the National League, scoring 6 goals, including several crucial strikes that helped secure a mid-table finish. His consistent performances, marked by skillful and goal threat from wide areas, earned him the club's Player of the Year award, as voted by supporters and officially recognized. The following 2020–21 season saw Whitfield continue his strong form, featuring in 26 National League matches and netting 5 goals, contributing to a total of 55 appearances and 11 goals across his two years at the club. His efforts were instrumental in Torquay's push to fourth place, earning a spot in the promotion playoffs, where the team ultimately fell short in the final against Hartlepool United. Drawing on the consistency honed during his time at Port Vale, Whitfield adapted seamlessly to the demands of . Whitfield departed in the summer of 2021 after failing to agree terms on a new contract, amid the club's budgetary constraints following their playoff exit.

Stockport County

In July 2021, Ben Whitfield joined from on a two-year contract, becoming the club's first signing of the summer for an undisclosed fee. His arrival followed a productive spell at , where his goal-scoring form from the previous National League season carried over to bolster Stockport's attacking options. During the 2021–22 campaign, Whitfield featured in 15 National League matches for County, scoring 2 goals and accumulating 749 minutes on the pitch, often as a key substitute and occasional starter in the promotion push. He made a total of 25 appearances across all competitions, including 3 goals, providing valuable depth and impact from the bench during crucial fixtures. Whitfield's versatility in midfield helped secure the National League title with a 30-win record, clinching promotion to as champions. At the end of the season, Whitfield's expired, leading to his departure on a free transfer to League Two club Barrow in July 2022.

First stint at Barrow

On 21 July 2022, Whitfield joined League Two club Barrow on a free transfer from County, signing a two-year ; retained a sell-on clause as part of the deal. His previous promotion-winning experience with in the National League aided his quick adaptation to consistent League Two football. During the 2022–23 season, Whitfield established himself as a key creative force, making 45 league appearances, scoring 5 goals, and recording 12 assists. These contributions helped Barrow secure a solid 9th-place finish with 62 points from 18 wins, 8 draws, and 20 losses, ensuring mid-table stability away from relegation concerns. In the 2023–24 season, Whitfield continued his consistent form, featuring in 36 league matches, netting 8 goals and adding 4 assists. Across all competitions that year, he scored 11 goals, emerging as Barrow's top scorer overall. Over his two seasons, he amassed 81 league appearances and 13 goals, playing a pivotal role in the team's improvement to 8th place with 69 points from 18 wins, 15 draws, and 13 losses. His performances led to discussions about extending his contract beyond its summer 2024 expiry, though no agreement was reached.

Burton Albion

In June 2024, following a successful two-year stint at Barrow where he made 115 appearances and scored 19 goals, Ben Whitfield joined League One club Burton Albion on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract until June 2026. He expressed excitement about competing at a higher level, aiming to build on his attacking contributions from League Two. During the first half of the 2024–25 season, Whitfield featured in 13 matches for Burton across all competitions, scoring 1 goal, but often from the substitutes' bench due to intense competition for midfield and wide positions. His limited starts—fewer than 10 in league play—highlighted the challenges of breaking into the under manager Mark Robinson, who favored more established players in key roles. Whitfield's last appearance came on 4 January 2025, after which he did not feature in the squad. Seeking regular playing time, Whitfield requested a loan move in late January 2025, leading to his return to Barrow on 3 February until the end of the season. During the loan spell, he made 17 appearances and scored two goals, helping Barrow maintain their League Two standing while fulfilling his Burton contract obligations.

Return to Barrow

In February 2025, Whitfield rejoined Barrow on loan from Burton Albion until the end of the 2024–25 season, where he made 17 appearances and scored 2 goals, helping the team maintain their League Two status. Following the conclusion of his loan, Whitfield's contract with Burton was mutually terminated on 22 August 2025, allowing him to sign permanently with Barrow on a two-year deal until June 2027. This move came after a challenging period at Burton, where limited playing time hindered his progress. In the 2025–26 season, Whitfield has established himself as a central for Barrow in , featuring in 8 league matches up to mid-November 2025 with 2 assists and no goals, while also contributing in cup competitions. In September 2025, he received a three-match ban for violent conduct during a match against Fleetwood Town. His reintegration has brought and work rate to the midfield, supporting Barrow's mid-table position with 19 points from 15 games as they aim to build momentum. Whitfield's return marks a personal resurgence, leveraging his familiarity with the club to mentor younger players and drive attacking transitions, positioning him as a key figure in Barrow's ambitions for the remainder of the season and beyond.

Playing style and reception

Positions and attributes

Ben Whitfield primarily plays as an in central roles or as a winger on the right or left flank, demonstrating versatility that allows him to also feature as a forward when required. Standing at 1.65 meters tall, Whitfield benefits from a low center of gravity that enhances his agility and balance, enabling effective dribbling and quick changes of direction during play. His technical strengths lie in precise crossing and delivering key passes, complemented by a strong work rate off the ball that contributes to pressing and transitional play. Throughout his career, Whitfield has evolved from predominantly operating as a winger in his early professional loans, where he focused on wide deliveries and direct runs, to a more central attacking midfield role in recent seasons at clubs like Barrow, allowing greater involvement in game control and creative orchestration from deeper positions.

Individual awards and recognition

During his loan spell at Harriers in the season, Whitfield was recognized for his significant goal contributions, earning both the club's Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year awards. In the 2019–20 season with Torquay United, also in the National League, Whitfield received the official Player of the Season award following a campaign curtailed by the , where his leadership and consistent performances stood out despite the shortened schedule. These honors, along with a third-place finish in the 2023 North-West Football Awards for League Two Player of the Year during his time at Barrow, underscore Whitfield's reliability and popularity with fans across different leagues, from non-league to EFL competition. Additionally, Whitfield has garnered nominations for individual accolades, such as the Sky Bet League Two Goal of the Month in October 2017 for his strike against Cheltenham Town while at Port Vale. His versatile playing style, blending creativity and goal-scoring threat, has been instrumental in earning such external validations throughout his career.

Achievements and statistics

Honours

Ben Whitfield's primary team honour came during his time at County, where he played a key role in the club's successful campaign that culminated in the title win and promotion to the . Joining the Hatters in July 2021 from Torquay United, Whitfield contributed to a dominant season that saw secure the championship with a 2–0 victory over on the final day, ending an 11-year absence from the EFL.
  • National League: 2021–22 (Stockport County)
Earlier with United, Whitfield participated in the club's strong 2020–21 National League performance, finishing second in the and advancing to the promotion playoffs. reached the playoff final after defeating County in the semi-finals but suffered a 1–1 draw with Hartlepool United after extra time, losing 5–4 on penalties and missing out on promotion. Whitfield has no major cup successes or higher-league honours to his name as of 2025, with his career focused on lower-tier English football. Near-misses, such as Torquay's playoff defeat, highlight competitive campaigns without ultimate silverware.

Career statistics

As of November 13, 2025, Ben Whitfield has amassed over 300 professional appearances and scored 45 goals in domestic league matches across his . The table below details his statistics in domestic league matches, providing a chronological breakdown by season, club, appearances (MP), goals (Gls), and assists (Ast). These figures encompass his loans and stints from Harriers onward, reflecting primary competitive play in leagues such as the National League, League Two, and League One. Assists are recorded where tracked by the source.
SeasonClubMPGlsAst
2015–16Kidderminster Harriers2969
2016–17Yeovil Town3423
2017–18Port Vale3742
2018–19Port Vale3041
2019–20Torquay United2860
2020–21Torquay United2650
2021–22Stockport County1520
2022–23Barrow45512
2023–24Barrow3684
2024–25Barrow1725
2024–25Burton Albion2313
2025–26Barrow802
Total3284541
Domestic league totals: 328 appearances, 45 goals, 41 assists. In cup competitions (, , ), Whitfield has recorded additional appearances and contributions, such as 1 goal in 2 appearances and 2 goals in 4 matches during the 2024–25 season with Burton Albion, alongside further outings across his career at clubs including Port Vale, Torquay United, and Barrow.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ben-whitfield/profil/spieler/402089
  2. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=88392
  3. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvgqr3we717o
  4. https://guiseleyafc.co.uk/ben-whitfield-i-wouldnt-be-where-i-am-now-if-it-wasnt-for-guiseley/
  5. https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2025/february/03/ben-whitfield-signs/
  6. https://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/sport/10745075.guiseley-hope-hard-work-brings-results/
  7. http://www.ncefl.org.uk/matches/westridingcountycup/2013/rounds/
  8. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10980209.guiseley-midfielder-ben-whitfield-seals-switch-to-bournemouth/
  9. https://guiseleyafc.co.uk/whitfield-moves-to-bournemouth/
  10. https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/10979367.afc-bournemouth-howe-says-development-is-key-after-swooping-for-youngster-whitfield/
  11. https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/23183114.former-afc-bournemouth-youngster-joining-club-best-thing-ever/
  12. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35733502
  13. https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/news/sport/1219541/player-of-year-ben-says-torquay-united-move-was-best-in-career.html
  14. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37189923
  15. https://fbref.com/en/squads/bd5179b9/2016-2017/Yeovil-Town-Stats
  16. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42579774
  17. https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2018/january/whitfield-on-loan-extension
  18. https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ben-whitfield-bournemouth-port-vale-3278455
  19. https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2017/03/ben-whitfield-player-profile/
  20. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ben-whitfield/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/402089/saison/2018/verein/1211/wettbewerb/GB4
  21. https://fbref.com/en/squads/62657aa0/2018-2019/Port-Vale
  22. https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/port-vale-tranmere-record-goals-2563203
  23. https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2019/september/ben-whitfield-departs
  24. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49566120
  25. https://www.devonlive.com/sport/football/whitfield-torquay-united-port-vale-3294523
  26. https://fbref.com/en/players/219a9cc0/Ben-Whitfield
  27. https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/news/sport/1219532/torquay-united-player-of-the-season-top-spot-for-two-bens.html
  28. https://www.torquayfanstats.com/official-player-of-the-year
  29. https://www.devonlive.com/sport/torquay-uniteds-ben-whitfield-sign-5617862
  30. https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2021/06/former-valiants-will-ben-whitfield-face-port-vale-next-season/
  31. https://www.stockportcounty.com/news/2021/july/06/whitfield-becomes-first-summer-signing
  32. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ben-whitfield/profil/spieler/402089
  33. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ben-whitfield/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/402089
  34. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62253820
  35. https://www.stockportcounty.com/news/2023/february/24/match-preview-barrow-afc-v-county
  36. https://fbref.com/en/squads/8efa4cdf/2022-2023/Barrow-Stats
  37. https://www.transfermarkt.us/afc-barrow/toptorschuetzensaison/verein/6168
  38. https://fbref.com/en/squads/8efa4cdf/2023-2024/Barrow-Stats
  39. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/ce44ell28q7o
  40. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c4g35wrp71ro
  41. https://www.fotmob.com/players/520336/ben-whitfield
  42. https://www.barrowafc.com/news/2025/august/22/whitfield-returns/
  43. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy8j201525yo
  44. https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2025/august/22/ben-whitfield-departs/
  45. https://fbref.com/en/squads/8efa4cdf/Barrow-Stats
  46. https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/sport/25412133.ben-whitfield-delighted-back-barrow-afc/
  47. https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/ben-whitfield/823003
  48. https://www.whoscored.com/players/228241/show/ben-whitfield
  49. https://www.futbin.com/26/player/16672/ben-whitfield
  50. https://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/23906643.barrow-midfielder-ben-whitfield-finishes-top-three-nwfa-awards/
  51. https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2017/november/whitfield-up-for-reward
  52. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/may/15/stockport-seal-national-league-title-and-efl-return-after-11-years
  53. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57457835
  54. https://www.transfermarkt.com/ben-whitfield/leistungsdaten/spieler/402089
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