Benni Smales-Braithwaite (born 29 April 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Stalybridge Celtic.
Career
Smales-Braithwaite played youth football for Manchester City and Southampton, turning professional in June 2019,[2][3] before spending time on loan at non-league club Gloucester City,[4]
He signed for Barrow in August 2022.[5][6] Later that month he moved on loan to Warrington Rylands 1906.[7]
On 18 November 2022, Smales-Braithwaite joined National League North side Curzon Ashton on a one-month loan deal.[8] In January 2023, he extended his contract with Barrow until the end of the season and extended his loan with Curzon Ashton.[9] He moved on loan to Guiseley in February 2023.[10][11] He was released after one season at Barrow, but was invited back for pre-season.[12]
In July 2023 Smales-Braithwaite went on trial at Danish 1st Division club Vendsyssel FF.[13] He was included in Vendsyssel's match squad for the opening match against SønderjyskE on 21 July 2023, where he made his debut after coming off the bench.[14] On 31 January 2024, Smales-Braithwaite joined Faroe Islands Premier League side 07 Vestur on loan until June 2024.[15]
On 13 September 2024 Smales-Bratihwaite was loaned out again, to Danish 2nd Division club Skive IK for the remainder of 2024.[16] After only 70 minutes of playing time, Smales-Braithwaite returned to Vendsyssel in December 2024.[17]
In January 2025 he returned to England, signing for Stalybridge Celtic.[18]
Career statistics
- As of 8 May 2023[1]
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Southampton | 2021–22 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gloucester City (loan) | 2021–22 | National League North | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Barrow | 2022–23 | League Two | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Warrington Rylands (loan) | 2022–23[19] | Northern Premier League | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Curzon Ashton (loan) | 2022–23 | National League North | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3[b] | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Guiseley (loan) | 2022–23 | National League North | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 |
| Career total | 21 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 27 | 9 | ||
- ^ Appearances in the EFL Trophy.
- ^ 2 appearances in the FA Trophy & 1 in Lancashire Senior Cup
References
- ^ a b Benni Smales-Braithwaite at Soccerway. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- ^ "Smales-Braithwaite seals pro deal". Southampton FC.
- ^ "Saints youngster signs first pro contract". Daily Echo.
- ^ "Smales-Braithwaite seals Gloucester City loan move". Southampton FC.
- ^ "Barrow Land Benni Smales-Braithwaite". www.barrowafc.com.
- ^ "Barrow sign ex-Saints forward Smales-Braithwaite". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Benni Makes Loan Move". www.barrowafc.com.
- ^ @CurzonAshton (18 November 2022). "Curzon Ashton are delighted to announce the signing of Benjamin Smales-Braithwaite from Barrow on an initial one-month loan" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Benni Signs New Deal". Barrow A.F.C. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ "Benni Makes Guiseley Loan Switch". www.barrowafc.com.
- ^ "Smales-Braithwaite Arrives On Loan". 4 January 2025.
- ^ "Barrow Confirm Retained List". www.barrowafc.com. 9 May 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ Begge parter indstillet på et exit for profil, nordjyske.dk, 5 July 2023
- ^ VENDSYSSEL FF - SØNDERJYSKE FODBOLD, dbu.dk, 21 July 2023
- ^ Braithwaite til 07 Vestur, 07vestur.fo, 31 December 2024
- ^ BENNI SMALES-BRAITHWAITE UDLEJES TIL SKIVE IK, vendsysselff.dk, 13 September 2024
- ^ Engelsk angriber får ikke en ny aftale: »Modbydelige« holdkammerater holdt ham ude, skivefolkeblad.dk, 11 December 2024
- ^ "Stalybridge Celtic - Official Site - News". www.stalybridgeceltic.co.uk.
- ^ "Warrington Rylands statistics". footballwebpages.co.uk. Retrieved 2 November 2022.