Ian Michael Bennett (born 10 October 1971) is an English former footballer who played as a goalkeeper from 1989 to 2014, most notably representing Birmingham City between 1993 and 2005. He is currently the goalkeeping coach at Doncaster. Early life Ian Michael Bennett was born on 10 October 1971 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Playing career QPR and Newcastle Bennett started his football career as a YTS trainee with Queens Park Rangers in 1988. He turned professional with Newcastle United in March of the same season. Bennett never made a single first-team appearance for either club, and signed for Peterborough United in March 1991. Peterborough United Bennett signed for Peterborough United in March 1991. He made 89 appearances for the Posh (72 in the League) as they gained successive promotions from the old Fourth and Third Divisions between 1991 and 1993. After two seasons in the then First Division, Bennett moved on. Birmingham City Barry Fry signed Bennett for Birmingham City for £325,000 in December 1993. He became the first-choice goalkeeper, was ever-present as the club won the 1994–95 Second Division (third-tier) title, and remained as first choice for the next five years before losing his place to Kevin Poole in September 1998 because of injury. A broken finger in 1999–2000 pre-season extended his absence, but he returned to the team in October for a League Cup match at home to Newcastle United. With his first touch, he saved a penalty kick taken by Alan Shearer and Birmingham went on to win 2–0. He spoke after the match about his frustration with the injuries and his desire for first-team football, preferably with Birmingham. He kept his place for a few weeks before being dropped because of his contractual dispute with the club, but signed a new deal in January 2000 and returned to the side, continuing as first choice until a broken thumb ruled him out for the last two months of the season. With Poole also injured, loanee Thomas Myhre completed the campaign. Undisputed first choice the following season, Bennett helped Birmingham reach the 2001 League Cup Final, in which he made some fine saves in a losing cause as Liverpool won on penalties. Although the signings of Nico Vaesen in summer 2001 and Maik Taylor two years later meant that Bennett was not selected as often as he wanted, he still made his 350th Birmingham appearance in October 2003, keeping