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Questions & Answers - Mick Bennett

Mick Bennett (left)
By Mark Heys & Mick Bennett
June 28 2007
Only a select number of Boltonians have represented the Wanderers in their 130-year history and on the afternoon of 29th March 1980 local lad Mick Bennett became a member of that small group when coming on as a substitute for his hometown team in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Maine Road.

Given his first professional contract at Burnden Park just a couple of months prior to his debut, Mick was one of a number of young players introduced into the senior team by the then Wanderers manager Stan Anderson as Bolton looked to pull away from the First Division relegation zone.

Mick initially competed with fellow youth graduate David Burke and the experienced Peter Nicholson for a role at left full back but later proved to be adaptable in more than one position.

In the 1981-1982 season under George Mulhall, he had become a regular name on the Wanderers team sheet but the increasing uncertainty which surrounded the clubs financial future meant that many bigger clubs of the time where casting their eye over some of Bolton's young squad.

In 1983, Mick moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers and later had a productive spell with Preston North End where he was re-united with former team mate Sam Allardyce during the John McGrath years at Deepdale.

Nowadays, he devotes most of his time to the Bolton Football in the Community project by coaching some of the town's youngsters.

He can also be heard alongside Graham Lovett on a matchday as Bolton's co-commentator on the local Tower FM radio station.

What can you remember about your Football League debut?

My first ever league game was as a sub away at Manchester City we drew 2-2 with Peter Reid and Frank Worthington scoring. 

I got on for the last 20 mins. the game was on Match of the Day and i can remember my mother taking a photo of the tv set when i came onto the pitch!


When did you score your first goal?

My first goal was away at Newcastle United, I was 18 and played outside left for Bolton.


What where your career highlights/lowlights?

Highlights include my full first team debut at home to Manchester United and my debut and being made captain for England u18 team.


Who did you room with on away trips when at Bolton?

No one in particular when at Bolton, it was left to the managers discretion, but at Preston North End my room mate was Big Sam (Allardyce) for 3 seasons


What do you think of the current Bolton team and do you get to see them often?

I think the current Bolton team is the best in its history and the fans should appreciate the wealth of talent spread across so many nationalities.

If i wasnt in such a privelaged position of working for the club I would be a season ticket holder with my two children and travel to as many away games as possible.


Who did you support during your youth and who where your heroes?.

Bolton of course! and Franky Worthington was my hero, I had the pleasure and good fortune to clean his boots and play alongside him at both Bolton and later at Preston.


Which person influenced your career the most?

My first manager Ian Greaves and then the late John McGrath who I am sure helped to shape some of Big Sam's philophosy and man management.

Walking Down The Manny Road would like to express it's gratitute to Mick for taking the time to speak with us.

As mentioned, Mick works as a Football in the Community coach for Bolton and if you would like to know more about that scheme then please contact the club on 01204 480 601.

You can also check when he is on the air waves by logging onto the Tower FM (107.4FM) website at www.towerfm.co.uk

Please click here to view our profile of Mick Bennett. 

 

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