Dan Bentley

Southend United

Bentley was born in Basildon, Essex and began his career as a centre back with hometown club Hutton Medway. A one-off appearance as a goalkeeper was witnessed by an Arsenal scout, who brought Bentley to the club's academy at age eight. He was released in 2008 and quickly signed for Southend United, with whom he started his apprenticeship in March 2009. Bentley was sent out on loan to Conference South club Braintree Town initially on cover for one match. However, he ended up staying and made two appearances for the club against Welling United and Dover Athletic. He was given his first professional contract in the summer of 2011, on a two-year deal. He made his first-team debut for the Shrimpers on 22 October 2011 in a 4–1 win over Torquay United, replacing the injured Glenn Morris in the second half. Following an injury to first choice Southend United goalkeeper Paul Smith, Bentley was called upon to deputise and played in his first run of first-team matches in the 2012–13 season, making his full debut for Southend on 22 September 2012 against Exeter City, a match Southend won 2–1. Bentley went on to play further matches against Plymouth, and Burton Albion before Paul Smith returned to full fitness. Bentley continued to play in cup matches, and developed a reputation for being a good penalty saver. As a consequence, with a Football League Trophy southern area semi-final against Oxford United seemingly heading to Penalties, Southend manager Paul…

As of match played 16 September 2026

Southend United

Football League Two play-offs: 2015 Football League Trophy runner-up: 2012–13 Individual

Football League Young Player of the Month: February 2015 Southend United Player of the Year: 2014–15 Southend United Players' Player of the Year: 2014–15 Southend United Community Player of the Year: 2014–15 PFA Team of the Year: 2014–15 League Two Bristol City Player of the Year: 2020–21