Advaiya at 18:52, 21 August 2023

2023-08-21T18:52:48Z

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{{short description|English footballer (born 1993)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English}}
{{Use dmy dates}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Mal Benning
| image = Mal Benning on the ball.jpg
| caption = Benning playing for [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]] in 2022
| full_name = Malvind Singh Benning<ref>{{cite web |title=EFL: Club retained and released lists published |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2016/june/efl-club-retained-and-released-lists-published/ |publisher=English Football League |date=23 June 2016 |access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|11|2|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/mal-benning-239004/ |title=Mal Benning |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[West Bromwich]], England
| height = {{convert|1.78|m|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/teams/first-team/defender/malvind-benning/ |title=Malvind Benning |publisher=Mansfield Town F.C. |access-date=17 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117151423/https://www.mansfieldtown.net/teams/first-team/defender/malvind-benning/ |archive-date=17 January 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| position = [[Left-back]]
| currentclub = [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]]
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 2001–2011
| youthclubs1 = [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]]
| years1 = 2011–2015
| clubs1 = [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]]
| caps1 = 46
| goals1 = 2
| years2 = 2012
| clubs2 = → [[Evesham United F.C.|Evesham United]] (loan)
| caps2 = 5
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2015
| clubs3 = → [[York City F.C.|York City]] (loan)
| caps3 = 9
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2015–2021
| clubs4 = [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]]
| caps4 = 214
| goals4 = 9
| years5 = 2021–2023
| clubs5 = [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]
| caps5 = 65
| goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2023–
| clubs6 = [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]]
| caps6 = 3
| goals6 = 0
| club-update = 14:18, 18 August 2023 (UTC)
}}
'''Malvind Singh Benning''' (born 2 November 1993) is an English professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[left-back]] for {{English football updater|ShrewsbT}} club [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]].

He began his career with [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]] and had [[Loan (association football)|loan]] spells with [[Evesham United F.C.|Evesham United]] and [[York City F.C.|York City]]. He made his debut in the [[English Football League]] at Walsall in November 2012 and went on to feature 53 times in total, before signing with [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]] in May 2015. He spent six seasons with Mansfield, making 251 appearances in all competitions. He signed with [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]] in June 2021 and helped the club to win [[Promotion and relegation|promotion]] out of [[EFL League Two|League Two]] via the [[English Football League play-offs|play-offs]] in [[2022 EFL League Two play-off Final|2022]]. He [[Transfer (association football)|transfer]]red to Shrewsbury Town in August 2023.

==Early and personal life==
Benning, whose parents are Indian [[Sikhs]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Malvind Benning ready to prove his worth at Walsall |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/walsall-fc/2013/01/18/malvind-benning-ready-to-prove-his-worth-at-walsall/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=Express and Star |date=18 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Chatterjee|first=Deepshikha|date=22 July 2016|title=5 lesser known footballers of Indian origin|work=Sportskeeda|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/5-lesser-known-footballers-indian-origin}}</ref> was born in [[West Bromwich]], West Midlands.<ref name="Hugman">{{Hugman|22288|Malvind Benning|access-date=10 April 2023}}</ref> He was educated at [[Queen Mary's Grammar School]] and is a [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] supporter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/qmgs1554/status/288611969278300161 |website=Twitter |access-date=1 July 2021 |title=Congratulations to QM old boy Malvind Benning on signing a new contract with @WFCOfficial}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mansfield Town's Mal Benning set for proud moment against West Brom |url=https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-towns-mal-benning-set-proud-moment-against-west-brom-262859 |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.chad.co.uk |date=27 August 2018}}</ref>

He was named on [[Kick It Out (organisation)|Kick It Out]]'s new advisory board in June 2021; Benning had been targeted for racist abuse on [[Twitter]] in January 2020, which was reported to the police by the [[Professional Footballers' Association]], though Benning stated that other than that he had "not experienced much 'racism' as one of [[British Asians in association football|very few Asian players in the professional game]]" (0.25% of the 3,700 professional players in 2020 were British Asian).<ref>{{cite news |title=Kick It Out names players advisory board |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57399801 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=8 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Twitter abuse needs 'stronger action' – PFA|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51109276 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=14 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ingle |first1=Sean |title=Why are there so few British Asian footballers at professional clubs? {{!}} Sean Ingle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jul/06/why-are-british-asian-footballers-still-regarded-as-a-gamble-by-many-clubs |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=6 July 2020}}</ref>

==Club career==
===Walsall===
[[File:Malvind Benning 28-02-2015 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Benning playing for [[York City F.C.|York City]] in 2015]]

Benning started his career with [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]], progressing through the [[youth system]] from the under-8 side.<ref name="sirb">{{cite news |title=Port Vale agree one-year contract with Mal Benning |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2021/june/port-vale-agree-terms-with-mal-benning/ |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=www.port-vale.co.uk |date=28 June 2021}}</ref> He played as a [[midfielder]] before gaining weight and being moved to [[left-back]] in his early teenage years.<ref name="passport"/> In January 2012, he joined [[Non-League football|Non-League]] club [[Evesham United F.C.|Evesham United]], who played in the [[Southern Football League|Southern League]] Premier Division, on a youth [[Loan (association football)|loan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Player profile: Malvind Benning |url=http://www.saddlers.co.uk/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=482099&tcmuri=154090 |publisher=Walsall F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130215015/http://www.saddlers.co.uk/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=482099&tcmuri=154090 |archive-date=30 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his [[First team (association football)|first-team]] debut for Walsall at the [[Bescot Stadium]] on 6 November 2012, in a 4–1 defeat to [[Scunthorpe United F.C.|Scunthorpe United]] in [[EFL League One|League One]], coming on as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] for [[James Chambers (English footballer)|James Chambers]].<ref name=sb1213/> He signed his first professional [[Association football contracts|contract]], of two-and-a-half years, in January 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benning awarded Walsall contract |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20909720 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=7 January 2013}}</ref> He went on to start seven games and make four substitute appearances in the [[2012–13 Walsall F.C. season|2012–13 season]].<ref name=sb1213/> On 5 March 2014, he scored his first goal in senior football in a 2–1 defeat at [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Ged |title=Coventry City 2–1 Walsall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26134252 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 March 2014}}</ref> He claimed another goal in a 3–2 defeat at [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage]] the following month, and ended the [[2013–14 Walsall F.C. season|2013–14 season]] with fifteen starts and three appearances from the bench.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stevenage 3–2 Walsall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27084506 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 April 2014}}</ref><ref name=sb1314/> He was played mainly at right-back in his early career, keeping the experienced [[Ben Purkiss]] out of the team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Purkiss eager to 'make difference' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25318668 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=10 December 2013}}</ref>

Benning joined [[EFL League Two|League Two]] club [[York City F.C.|York City]] on 22 January 2015 on a one-month loan, with [[Manager (association football)|manager]] [[Russ Wilcox]] looking to provide competition for the ever-present [[Femi Ilesanmi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Malvind Benning: York sign Walsall defender on loan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30932680 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 January 2015 |access-date=5 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="Malvind Benning's appetite for a fight impresses York City boss Russ Wilcox">{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Flett |title=Malvind Benning's appetite for a fight impresses York City boss Russ Wilcox |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/11744190.Malvind_Benning_s_appetite_for_a_fight_impresses_York_City_boss_Russ_Wilcox/ |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=22 January 2015 |access-date=24 January 2015}}</ref> He made his debut in a 1–1 [[Bootham Crescent|home]] draw with [[Burton Albion F.C.|Burton Albion]] two days later<ref name=sb1415/> and his loan was extended by a second month in February 2015.<ref>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Flett |title=York City extend Malvind Benning's loan stay by a further month |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/11812417.York_City_extend_Malvind_Benning_s_loan_stay_by_a_further_month/ |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=23 February 2015 |access-date=14 March 2015}}</ref> Having made nine appearances<ref name=sb1415/> he was recalled by Walsall on 16 March 2015 after an injury to [[Andy Taylor (footballer, born 1986)|Andy Taylor]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Flett |title=Luke Summerfield being lined up for surprise York City recall |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/11859058.Luke_Summerfield_being_lined_up_for_surprise_York_City_recall/ |newspaper=The Press |location=York |date=16 March 2015 |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> He made 13 starts and 11 substitute appearances for Walsall in the [[2014–15 Walsall F.C. season|2014–15]] season,<ref name=sb1415/> and was often played further up the [[Football pitch|pitch]] from his familiar left-back position by manager [[Dean Smith (footballer, born 1971)|Dean Smith]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Malvind Benning's future is with Walsall |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2015/01/24/mal-bennings-future-is-with-us-says-saddlers-dean-smith/ |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=Express and Star |date=24 January 2015}}</ref> Benning was released in May 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Walsall release quartet |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9838145/walsall-release-quartet |publisher=Sky Sports |date=5 May 2015 |access-date=22 May 2015}}</ref>

===Mansfield Town===
Benning signed for League Two club [[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]] on 22 May 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benning completes Stags switch |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/may/benning-completes-stags-switch/ |publisher=Mansfield Town F.C. |date=22 May 2015 |access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> He suffered a [[cruciate ligament|cruciate knee ligament]] injury in October 2015 and was out of action for four months; he tested his recovery from the injury by [[Tackle (football move)|tackling]] a brick wall.<ref>{{cite news |title=Returning Stag Benning hits the wall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35491455 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 February 2016}}</ref> Manager [[Adam Murray]] had initially worried that Benning could be ruled out for the whole of the [[2015–16 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2015–16]] season, but it transpired that no surgery was necessary to repair the damage as 12 weeks in a brace was sufficient to allow the body to heal itself.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benning could return by January |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34658641 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Malvind Benning: injury update |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2015/october/malvind-benning-injury-update/ |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=28 October 2015}}</ref> He signed a new contract of undisclosed length in May 2016, having scored four goals from 33 games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Defensive trio sign new Stags contracts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36320548 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 May 2016}}</ref><ref name=sb1516/> He missed just one league and one [[EFL Trophy]] game during the [[2016–17 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2016–17 season]], playing a total of 52 times and scoring one goal, as the club posted a 12th-place finish.<ref name=sb1617/> He told the media that new manager [[Steve Evans (footballer, born 1962)|Steve Evans]] had "made an impact instantly" and "made it clear that he's striving for [[Promotion and relegation|promotion]]", but that for Benning "the main focus is to keep my place in the team".<ref>{{cite news |title=Benning embracing the changing of the guard |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2016/december/benning-embracing-the-changing-of-the-guard/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=22 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Benning enjoying education under Stags' boss |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2017/january/benning-enjoying-education-under-stags-boss/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=26 January 2017}}</ref>

He signed a new one-year contract in February 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mansfield trio sign new one-year deals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43211316 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 February 2018}}</ref> However, he was [[Fouls and misconduct (association football)|sent off]] in a 1–0 defeat to [[Accrington Stanley F.C.|Accrington Stanley]] at [[Field Mill]] on 31 March, a lack of discipline which caused him to be criticised by newly-appointed manager [[David Flitcroft]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Matt |title=Flitcroft furious with Benning as Mansfield slip out of play-off places |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/david-flitcroft-furious-mal-benning-1404681 |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=NottinghamshireLive |date=30 March 2018}}</ref> He scored a winning goal against local rivals [[Chesterfield F.C.|Chesterfield]] on 14 April, which earned him the nickname "Sir Mal" from supporters.<ref name="sirmal"/> This was his only goal from 34 appearances in the [[2017–18 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2017–18 season]], one in which Mansfield finished one place outside the [[English Football League play-offs|play-offs]].<ref name=sb1718/> Benning adapted well to the new manager's [[Wing-back (association football)|wing-back]] system and after he increased his running statistics towards the end of the season credited Flitcroft's work ethic in training for his improved fitness levels.<ref>{{cite news |title=Benning says Stags' boss is reason for improved fitness |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/may/benning-pre-crawley-h/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=3 May 2018}}</ref><ref name="depth">{{cite news |title=Feature: Mal Benning in-depth interview |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/october/mal-benning-feature/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=11 October 2018}}</ref>

Benning featured 55 times over the course of the [[2018–19 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2018–19 season]], missing just one league game.<ref name=sb1819/> Mansfield finished in fourth place but were beaten on [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalties]] by [[Newport County A.F.C.|Newport County]] in the [[2019 English Football League play-offs|semi-finals of the play-offs]] despite Benning converting his [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Mansfield Town 0–0 (3–5 pens) Newport County |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48165959 |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=12 May 2019}}</ref> Flitcroft was sacked after the defeat, though Benning said that he was ready to focus on football again after returning from holiday in Mexico and that he and the rest of the squad had had positive meetings with new manager [[John Dempster (footballer)|John Dempster]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Last season will fuel me heading into new term – Benning |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2019/june/benning-04-june/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=4 June 2019}}</ref> However, the new season went poorly and Dempster was replaced by [[Graham Coughlan]] in December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Stags appoint Graham Coughlan |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2019/december/stags-appoint-graham-coughlan/ |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=17 December 2019}}</ref> Benning played 39 games in the [[2019–20 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2019–20 season]], which saw Mansfield finish 21st on [[2019–20 EFL League Two|points per game]] after the season was curtailed early due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in England]].<ref name=sb1920/>

He lost his left-back position to [[Stephen McLaughlin]] during the [[2020–21 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2020–21 season]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lomas |first1=John |title=Mal Benning departure is best move for both parties says boss |url=https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mal-benning-departure-is-best-move-for-both-parties-says-boss-3218545 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=www.chad.co.uk |date=30 April 2021}}</ref> However, he would regain his first-team spot and earned praise for his consistency from manager [[Nigel Clough]] in January.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Browne |first1=Duncan |title=Nigel Clough praises Mansfield Town defender Mal Benning's 'loyalty' |url=https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-clough-praises-mansfield-town-defender-mal-bennings-loyalty-3102993 |access-date=2 July 2021 |work=www.chad.co.uk |date=17 January 2021}}</ref> On 27 April 2021, it was announced that he would leave Mansfield to "seek a new challenge" with the decision made "amicably and mutually", having made 251 appearances in a six-year stay at the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Left-back Benning to leave Mansfield |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56907181 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 April 2021}}</ref> He stated that "one massive regret is to not have been able to help get the club promoted"; he was the 18th highest appearance maker in [[History of Mansfield Town F.C.|the club's history]] at the time of his departure.<ref>{{cite news |title=Long-serving defender to seek new challenge |url=https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2021/april/long-serving-defender-to-seek-new-challenge |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=www.mansfieldtown.net |date=27 April 2021}}</ref>

===Port Vale===
[[File:Mal Benning.jpg|thumb|upright|Benning warming up for [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]] in 2022]]

On 28 June 2021, Benning agreed a one-year contract with [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]], to begin on 1 July; he was signed to compete with fellow new arrival [[Dan Jones (footballer, born 1994)|Dan Jones]].<ref name="sirb"/> He started five of the "Valiants" first seven League Two games of the [[2021–22 Port Vale F.C. season|2021–22]] season, but admitted that "I think there is a lot more to come from me... I feel like I can do a lot more".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Mal Benning's message to Port Vale fans ahead of Harrogate game |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mala-benning-port-vale-mansfield-5933639 |access-date=17 September 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=17 September 2021}}</ref> He was dropped to the bench after [[James Gibbons (footballer)|James Gibbons]] returned from injury, but came on as a [[half-time]] substitute to score his first goal at [[Vale Park]] in a 3–1 win over [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]] on 16 October.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Mal Benning's message about Port Vale competition and Mansfield return |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mal-benning-port-vale-mansfield-6076614 |access-date=18 October 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=18 October 2021}}</ref> He was limited to 17 league starts in the [[2021–22 Port Vale F.C. season|2021–22]] campaign, but would score the winning [[penalty kick]] in the [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shoot-out]] victory over [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] in the [[2022 English Football League play-offs|play-off semi-finals]].<ref name="2021–22"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale heading to Wembley after dramatic shoot-out win over Swindon |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-heading-wembley-after-7105187 |access-date=20 May 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=19 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He started in the [[2022 EFL League Two play-off Final|play-off final]] at [[Wembley Stadium]] and scored Vale's final goal as they secured promotion with a 3–0 victory over former club Mansfield Town; Michael Baggaley of ''[[The Sentinel (Staffordshire)|The Sentinel]]'' wrote that Benning was "excellent" and he "set up [[Kian Harratt|Harratt]]’s opener, went close to scoring in the first half then confirmed Vale’s victory with a sliding [[Volley (association football)|volley]] for the third five minutes from time".<ref name="pof22"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale player ratings from Wembley win over Mansfield |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-player-ratings-mansfield-7140348 |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=28 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He signed a new one-year contract in June 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mounteney |first1=Luke |title=Mal Benning signs contract extension |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2022/june/mal-benning-signs-contract-extension/ |access-date=23 June 2022 |work=Port Vale F.C. |date=23 June 2022 |language=en-gb}}</ref>

He enjoyed an excellent run of form at the start of the [[2022–23 Port Vale F.C. season|2022–23]] season, maintaining a first-team place despite competition for the left-wing back position from [[Dan Jones (footballer, born 1994)|Dan Jones]], [[Liam McCarron]] and [[Thierry Small]], whilst [[Chris Hussey]] was allowed to leave the club.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Mal Benning thanks Port Vale fans as he enjoys regular run |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/it-tough-defender-thanks-port-7553868 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=6 September 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Speaking in December, manager [[Darrell Clarke]] said that Benning "has defended very, very well; it hasn't been one of his main strengths but he has been good going forward, he has added that to his game and been ultra-consistent".<ref>{{cite news |title=Darrell Clarke {{!}} "Stay level-headed and keep on improving" |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2022/december/darrell-clarke--stay-level-headed-and-keep-on-improving/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |work=www.port-vale.co.uk |date=9 December 2022 |language=en-gb}}</ref> He did though lose his first-team place to [[Sammy Robinson]] as the club's form tailed off in the second half of the campaign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Mal Benning says Port Vale can learn plenty from this season |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/port-vale-defender-sets-target-8339484 |access-date=11 April 2023 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=10 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> His stay with the club was automatically extended by a year after he triggered an appearance-based clause.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fielding |first1=Rob |title=Contract extension - Port Vale clarify defender's status |url=https://www.onevalefan.co.uk/2023/07/contract-extension-port-vale-clarify-defenders-status/ |access-date=28 July 2023 |work=onevalefan.co.uk |date=28 July 2023}}</ref> However [[director of football]] David Flitcroft said that he "wouldn't get the regular game time that he would hope for and that a move away from Vale Park would be in his best interest".<ref>{{cite news |title=Mal Benning Leaves The Valiants |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/2023/august/mal-benning-leaves-the-valiants/ |access-date=4 August 2023 |work=www.port-vale.co.uk |date=3 August 2023 |language=en-gb}}</ref>

===Shrewsbury Town===
On 3 August 2023, Benning joined League One side [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]] on a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shrewsbury sign defender Benning and striker Mata |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66395746 |access-date=4 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2023}}</ref>

==International career==
Benning stated his desire to represent [[India national football team|India national team]] in August 2015 but said he was unable to as the nation's strict rules on eligibility meant he would have to first give up his [[British passport]] and get an [[Indian passport]].<ref name="passport">{{cite news |last1=Lomas |first1=John |title=Mansfield Town defender Mal Benning blazing a trail for Asian footballers |url=https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/mansfield-town-defender-mal-benning-blazing-trail-asian-footballers-2207521 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=www.chad.co.uk |date=27 August 2015}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Benning is an attacking [[left-back]], who is also able to play at left [[Wing-back (association football)|wing-back]].<ref name="sirmal">{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title=Port Vale's new signing is 'Sir Mal' to Mansfield Town fans |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mal-benning-aidan-stone-vale-5594965 |access-date=1 July 2021 |work=StokeonTrentLive |date=30 June 2021}}</ref> He has pace and good [[Cross (association football)|crossing]] ability, also boasting good [[Free kick (association football)|free kick]] and [[Volley (association football)|volleying]] skills.<ref name="sirmal"/>

==Career statistics==
{{Updated|match played 15 August 2023}}

{| class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan=2|Club
!rowspan=2|Season
!colspan=3|League
!colspan=2|[[FA Cup]]
!colspan=2|[[EFL Cup|League Cup]]
!colspan=2|Other
!colspan=2|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan=5|[[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]]
|[[2011–12 Walsall F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|63456|2011|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|[[EFL League One|League One]]
|0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0
|-
|[[2012–13 Walsall F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref name=sb1213>{{soccerbase season|63456|2012|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League One
|10||0||1||0||0||0||0||0||11||0
|-
|[[2013–14 Walsall F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref name=sb1314>{{soccerbase season|63456|2013|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League One
|16||2||1||0||1||0||0||0||18||2
|-
|[[2014–15 Walsall F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref name=sb1415>{{soccerbase season|63456|2014|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League One
|20||0||1||0||2||1||1{{efn|name=FLT|Appearance in [[Football League Trophy]]}}||0||24||1
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!46!!2!!3!!0!!3!!1!!1!!0!!53!!3
|-
|[[Evesham United F.C.|Evesham United]] (loan)
|[[2011–12 Southern Football League|2011–12]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eveshamunitedfc.com/first-team/player-appearances/ |title=Evesham United appearances |publisher=Evesham United F.C. |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819030828/http://www.eveshamunitedfc.com/first-team/player-appearances/ |archivedate=19 August 2012}}</ref>
|[[Southern Football League|Southern League Premier Division]]
|5||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||5||0
|-
|[[York City F.C.|York City]] (loan)
|[[2014–15 York City F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref name=sb1415/>
|[[EFL League Two|League Two]]
|9||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||9||0
|-
|rowspan=7|[[Mansfield Town F.C.|Mansfield Town]]
|[[2015–16 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2015–16]]<ref name=sb1516>{{soccerbase season|63456|2015|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League Two
|31||4||0||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||33||4
|-
|[[2016–17 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2016–17]]<ref name=sb1617>{{soccerbase season|63456|2016|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League Two
|45||1||1||0||1||0||5{{efn|name=EFLT|Appearances in [[EFL Trophy]]}}||0||52||1
|-
|[[2017–18 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2017–18]]<ref name=sb1718>{{soccerbase season|63456|2017|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League Two
|28||1||3||0||1||0||2{{efn|name=EFLT}}||0||34||1
|-
|[[2018–19 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2018–19]]<ref name=sb1819>{{soccerbase season|63456|2018|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League Two
|45||3||2||0||2||0||6{{efn|Four appearances and one goal in EFL Trophy, two appearances in [[EFL League Two play-offs|League Two play-offs]]}}||1||55||4
|-
|[[2019–20 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2019–20]]<ref name=sb1920>{{soccerbase season|63456|2019|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League Two
|33||0||2||0||1||0||3{{efn|name=EFLT}}||0||39||0
|-
|[[2020–21 Mansfield Town F.C. season|2020–21]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|63456|2020|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
|League Two
|32||0||3||0||1||0||2{{efn|name=EFLT}}||0||38||0
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!214!!9!!11!!0!!7!!0!!19!!1!!251!!10
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]]
|[[2021–22 Port Vale F.C. season|2021–22]]<ref name="2021–22">{{soccerbase season|63456|2021|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=16 May 2022}}</ref>
|League Two
|26||1||2||0||1||0||7{{efn|Four appearances and one goal in EFL Trophy, three appearances and one goal in League Two play-offs}}||2||36||3
|-
|[[2022–23 Port Vale F.C. season|2022–23]]<ref name="2022–23">{{soccerbase season|63456|2022|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=16 May 2022}}</ref>
|League One
|39||1||1||0||1||1||3{{efn|name=EFLT}}||1||44||3
|-
!colspan=2|Total
!65!!2!!3!!0!!2!!1!!10!!3!!80!!6
|-
|[[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]]
|[[2023–24 Shrewsbury Town F.C. season|2023–24]]<ref name="2023–24">{{soccerbase season|63456|2023|name=Malvind Benning|access-date=16 May 2022}}</ref>
|League One
|3||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||4||0
|-
!colspan=3|Career total
!342!!13!!17!!0!!13!!2!!30!!4!!402!!19
|}

{{notelist}}

==Honours==
'''Port Vale'''
*[[EFL League Two play-offs]]: [[2022 English Football League play-offs#League Two|2022]]<ref name="pof22">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61532410 |title=Mansfield Town 0–3 Port Vale |first=Andrew |last=Aloia |website=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2022 |access-date=28 May 2022}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of Sikh footballers]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Shrewsbury Town F.C. squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Benning, Mal}}
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from West Bromwich]]
[[Category:English men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football defenders]]
[[Category:Walsall F.C. players]]
[[Category:Evesham United F.C. players]]
[[Category:York City F.C. players]]
[[Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Port Vale F.C. players]]
[[Category:Shrewsbury Town F.C. players]]
[[Category:Southern Football League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:British Asian footballers]]
[[Category:English Sikhs]]
[[Category:English people of Punjabi descent]]
[[Category:British sportspeople of Indian descent]]
[[Category:People educated at Queen Mary's Grammar School]]

Mal Benning - Revision history

Advaiya at 18:52, 21 August 2023