Ben Heneghan

Early years

Heneghan started his career at Everton at the age of eleven and spent seven years in the club's Academy. He played alongside Ross Barkley under Alan Stubbs and David Weir in the reserve team at Goodison Park. In April 2012, he made the move to Stoke City, where he captained the under-21 team under Dave Kevan. He had a loan spell at struggling Northern Premier League Premier Division side Droylsden, scoring an own goal in a 13–1 defeat at Chorley. He did not make a senior appearance for Stoke and was released at the end of the 2013–14 season. He then spent time on trial at Oldham Athletic and Accrington Stanley.

Chester

On 15 August 2014, Heneghan joined National League club Chester, initially on non-contract terms. He made his debut the following day, coming on at right-back as a half-time substitute against Braintree Town. On 24 September, Heneghan scored his first professional goal, a 94th-minute winner against Cross-border derby rivals Wrexham. He later said "I will take that memory to my death bed". Two days later he agreed a contract until the end of the 2014–15 season. Heneghan switched to his preferred central back position in January, when Chester signed right-back Ryan Higgins. On 30 March, Heneghan and Higgins signed new contracts until the end of the 2015–16 season. Heneghan finished the season as a first-choice centre-back playing 44 matches and scoring eight goals, including against Stockport County and Southend United in the Blues…

Heneghan is a strong and pacey centre-back with sound technical ability who has a professional attitude and quiet personality. He is an aerial threat with his height, though is not naturally skilled at playing out from the back.

As of match played 28 April 2026

Port Vale

EFL League Two second-place promotion: 2024–25 Individual

Chester Player of the Year: 2014–15