draw against Bradford City. Bennett started the 2006–07 season well when he scored in the opening game of the season, in a 1–0 win over Bradford City. Bennett then scored his second goal of the season, which turns out to be the only goal of the game, in a 1–0 win over Northampton Town on 10 February 2007. Manager Colin Calderwood did not play Bennett regularly earlier in the 2006–07 season, however he eventually established himself as Forest's first-choice left full-back. In the 2007–08 season, the signing of the experienced Matt Lockwood put Bennett's chances to maintain his place under pressure. However, injury to Lockwood gave him an opportunity. He scored his first goal of the season in Forest's 2–1 defeat at Luton Town. He received praise from Calderwood after assisting both of Forest's goals in a 2–0 win against Tranmere Rovers, who admitted it would be difficult to take him out of the team despite Lockwood nearing a return. He then had an injury in late November 2007 that kept him sidelined him until the new year. On 14 January 2008, Bennett signed a new -year contract, committing him to the club until the summer of 2010 On return to fitness, he managed to dislodge Matt Lockwood from the starting line-up and continued in the same vein of form. He made a total of 33 league starts in the 2007–08 season, scoring 4 goals. He netted two goals in two games in February 2008, against Millwall and Leeds United, and made a goal-line clearance at Elland Road. He also scored in the final game of the season, the first goal in Forest's 3–2 victory over Yeovil Town at the City Ground, which saw Forest finish second in League One in a dramatic last day of the season, thereby gaining promotion to the Championship. Bennett was voted Forest's Player of the Year for the promotion 2007–08 season. 'Jules' had helped the team keep 24 clean sheets that season, a league record. His performances were also recognised when he was named in the PFA's League One team of the year along with Forest teammate Kris Commons. However, having established himself as first choice left-back at Forest and become a fan favourite – owing to his consistent form, local credentials and no-nonsense playing style – the rest of his career at the City Ground was ravaged by injury. The 2008–09 season was