Former Grimsby Town defender Ryan Bennett training with the club

Former Grimsby Town defender Ryan Bennett training with the club

Former Grimsby Town defender Ryan Bennett is training with the club following his release from Swansea City.

The 32-year-old, who began his professional career with the Mariners, was spotted training amongst the squad this afternoon after agreeing to leave the Championship outfit earlier this month by mutual consent.

Since moving from Town to Peterborough United back in 2009, Bennett has forged a successful career in the game for himself, including spells in the Premier League with Norwich City, Wolves and Leicester City.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Grimsby boss Paul Hurst said talks about the defender coming in to train with the club started last week.

“I kind of made it clear that sometimes it might be with the first team, sometimes it might be with the youth team,” he added.

“He (Bennett) would just like somewhere to train, rather than just constantly being in the gym. Everything I’ve heard about him and speaking to him, he’s a good professional and has had a good career.

“I’m not saying that’s ended because I think there’s still that desire to play, but we’re happy to accommodate him.”

Town have looked strong at the back so far this season, having conceded just five goals in their opening eight League Two matches on their return to the Football League.

That defensive record shows the side is already blessed with excellent options at centre-half, with captain Luke Waterfall and Andy Smith putting in a number of solid performances, backed up by the experienced Shaun Pearson and summer arrival Niall Maher.

But the opportunity to bring in a player of Bennett’s calibre at League Two level has to be a tempting prospect for any manager.

Hurst said he’s just with the Mariners to train at the moment, but admitted he doesn’t think he can rule out the possibility of him signing for the club permanently.

He added: “Genuinely, that’s all it is at this time – he’s here to train. If anything changes in the future, then I’m sure he’ll let me know.

“But let’s be honest, he’s just left a Championship club. I think he probably could continue to be at a Championship club.”