When the 22-year-old goalkeeper rocked up at the Mitton Group Stadium in the summer there was a mixed bank of knowledge, some fans, players and officials at the club were aware who this former Bradford City goalkeeper was, with some not so.

However, talking to the club’s media team Bentley is keen to make a name for himself, and when asked if he could maybe take the number one spot he had a confident answer.

Bentley said: “Yeah I obviously want to play football, and I want to be playing matches and hopefully I'll get a lot of games this year, and I’ve just got to keep working and keep the attitude, keep trying hard and hopefully I'll get my chance.”

Furthermore, focussing on the word ‘chance’ which Bentley quoted, he gave an insight on if he thought he could make the most of a chance that may be given to him.

“Yeah hopefully I feel like the games we've had in pre-season I've done alright, I've done what I've needed to do so I feel like if I get that chance I will be ready, but as you say there is a lot of games coming up so it's important we just try get some wins.” Stated the goalkeeper.

Jack Bentley was one of several new faces to sign for Eccleshill United in the Summer and gave a promising answer on how he had settled in so far.

“It's been good, the lads have been good, and I've felt really welcomed and obviously made really good mates with one or two of them, and yeah just felt really welcomed since I've started training.” Bentley said positively.

Jack Bentley is a select few of players currently at Eccleshill United who have been in academies previously, Bentley gave a real overview on his time at Bradford City.

Bentley happily stated: “It was good, I had some good experiences, I was still young when I was there and it was a good experience. I had some confident boosters and learnt a lot of lessons there.”

Bradford City have brought through some established footballers in recent years, the likes of Tom Cleverley and Andre Wisdom are just a couple of examples, however, Jack Bentley discussed notable players he’s played with when at Bradford City.

“Probably the biggest one at the moment would be Olly McBurnie who's at Swansea City, he was in my year, and other than that I've played with George Green, obviously he went on to be at Everton.”

He added; “There's Niall Heaton who went to Liverpool. So, people like that, it was good to play with them.” Revealed the former Bradford City man.
Finally, with players, there also comes coaches, and Jack Bentley gave his insight on any notable coaches he learnt from.

“I've tried to take on as much as I can from every coach I've had but Lee Butler, the ‘keeper coach at Bradford City was an important one for me.”

“He gave me some good advice about how to step up from under 18s football to men’s football open age and the differences and things like that, but I just try take in as much as I can really.” Expressed Bentley.

Aside from Eccleshill United FC, Jack Bentley is a coach at the Pro Elite academy, and is keen to help progress teenagers in the game. Bentley is one of a few coaches at Pro Elite including former Bradford City midfielder Luke Dean.

For more information on Pro Elite visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/proelitecoachingacademy/ , alternatively Jack Bentley is free to ask pre warm ups on a matchday if you have any more enquiries. Pro Elite are also proud sponsors at the Mitton Group Stadium.

Written by Rohit Bains