Ex-Portsmouth winger Kyle Bennett: Bristol Rovers refused to take me off furlough and took away my shirt number - now I have a fresh start at Grimsby

Kyle Bennett toasted his fresh footballing start – and revealed how former club Bristol Rovers hadn’t spoken to him since June.
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Life at Bristol Rovers had turned sour following his January 2018 switch from Fratton Park after 117 appearances, 13 goals and the League Two title.

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Having already fallen out of favour, Rovers refused to take Bennett off furlough upon football’s resumption. It means he hasn’t trained with the club since March.

During that absence, he learnt via the internet that his squad number had been reallocated – leaving him without a shirt.

Instead the 30-year-old had to play seven-a-side with friends and follow an individual training programme to maintain fitness.

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Now Grimsby boss Ian Holloway has stepped in to provide the likeable Bennett with an opportunity to play.

Kyle Bennett enjoyed a successful time at Fratton Park, winning the League Two title, before joining Bristol Rovers in a move which would prove disappointing. Picture: Joe PeplerKyle Bennett enjoyed a successful time at Fratton Park, winning the League Two title, before joining Bristol Rovers in a move which would prove disappointing. Picture: Joe Pepler
Kyle Bennett enjoyed a successful time at Fratton Park, winning the League Two title, before joining Bristol Rovers in a move which would prove disappointing. Picture: Joe Pepler

He told The News: ‘Rovers kept me away from the club since March.

‘They put everyone on furlough, so we were still getting 100 per cent of our wage. When everyone was meant to come back, I received a call telling me I was being kept on furlough.

‘I’ve been at home the whole time, doing my own stuff. With the furlough rules, I’m obviously not allowed to go in and work.

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‘I was told they would keep me updated. I haven’t heard from anyone at the club since June.

Kyle Bennett, centre, had a frustrating time at Bristol Rovers following his January 2018 switch from PompeyKyle Bennett, centre, had a frustrating time at Bristol Rovers following his January 2018 switch from Pompey
Kyle Bennett, centre, had a frustrating time at Bristol Rovers following his January 2018 switch from Pompey

‘It was no secret that I wasn’t part of their plans. With the salary cap introduced, registering me would count towards that, so I understand it.

‘But players can still get a number if not part of the club’s plans. I didn’t have a clue I wouldn’t be getting one. Someone pointed it out to me on the internet when they were announced, that’s the first I knew.

‘Obviously it’s frustrating. I’m a football player, that’s my job title, and not being able to do that for such a long time is difficult.

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‘On the other hand, it has allowed me to spend this crazy amount of time with my children, doing things I’ve never been able to do since I’ve had them. It’s been a negative – but also a positive.

‘What is the point of getting angry? It's not going to change the situation. Getting angry is not going to make them say “Tell you what, come back in”. You can only move forward.

‘There was nothing I could do about it. There’s no point getting angry about certain things like that, it wasn’t in my control.

‘I’m looking forward now and am keen to make an impression at Grimsby. I cannot wait to play under Ian Holloway, he's a manager anyone would want to play for.’

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Bennett made 62 appearances and scored four times during his time at Bristol Rovers.

He had agreed to cancel his Pompey contract by mutual consent to join their League One rivals in January 2018.

However, following a bright beginning, he was loaned to Swindon for the second half of the 2018-19 season.

Last term he featured 19 times, although started just two league fixtures.

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He added: ‘It has not worked out the way I wanted it since leaving Pompey. These are bumps in the road, but you have to keep going.

‘There’s no point whining about it, it’s just the way it has gone.

‘When I arrived at Rovers in January 2018, I was playing some really good football and scoring goals. I was fit and strong and felt back to my old self.

‘The following season, we didn’t start well as a team, I didn’t begin particularly great, the manager was sacked and someone else came in and put me in the bin – it was curtains, really.’

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