Biography
Keith James Bentley was born in Hull and joined the Hull City groundstaff in the mid 1950s while undertaking his National Service. Once demobilised he was able to dedicate his full attention to football and signed professional terms in November 1957. His first team debut came in early December as he deputised for the absent Brian Cripsey in an FA Cup tie. Six consecutive first team starts came to an end after a 1-3 Boxing Day defeat at Gateshead, Bentley’s place going to another locally sourced youngster Ben Bridges. Bentley remained with the Tigers for the rest of the season but made no further first team appearances.
In July 1958 Bentley joined Scarborough, moving alongside other young City squad players Neil Cubie and Bob Dennison. He was converted from inside forward to left half at Scarborough and by April 1960 he was attracting the attention of his former employers at Boothferry Park, although no move transpired. After three seasons on the East Coast Keith signed for Midland League side Goole Town in July 1961, two years later he moved to Yorkshire League side Bridlington Town and played until his early 30s. In August 1971 he became coach at local side Kingburn Athletic.
Bentley remained in the Hull area and died at Hessle in September 2008.
Details
Nationality: England
Date/Place of Birth: 27 July 1936, Hull
Hull City First Game: 7 December 1957, Port Vale A (FA Cup Second Round), 21 years, 133 days old
Hull City Final Game: 26 December 1957, Gateshead A (Division Three North), 21 years, 152 days old
Clubs
Hull City (1957-1958), Scarborough (1958-1961), Goole Town (1961-1963), Bridlington Town (1963-1967)
Hull City Record
Career: 6 apps, 0 goals
Keith Bentley| Season | LGE App | LGE Gls | FAC App | FAC Gls | FLC App | FLC Gls | EUR App | EUR Gls | OTH App | OTH Gls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957/58 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – |