Shropshire Star

Elliott Bennett 'will do well at Norwich', says dad

Proud father Paul Bennett has backed Shropshire son Elliott to excel in the Premier League after his £1.5m move to Norwich – and expects younger sibling Kyle to follow in his footsteps. Proud father Paul Bennett has backed Shropshire son Elliott to excel in the Premier League after his £1.5m move to Norwich – and expects younger sibling Kyle to follow in his footsteps. Telford-born Elliott, 22, has moved to Carrow Road from League One champions Brighton – after starting his career at Wolves along with his brother. And Kyle, 20, is also making his mark, having agreed to join Championship club Doncaster Rovers from Bury – though a fee has still to be agreed. [24link]

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Proud father Paul Bennett has backed Shropshire son Elliott to excel in the Premier League after his £1.5m move to Norwich – and expects younger sibling Kyle to follow in his footsteps.

Telford-born Elliott, 22, has moved to Carrow Road from League One champions Brighton – after starting his career at Wolves along with his brother.

And Kyle, 20, is also making his mark, having agreed to join Championship club Doncaster Rovers from Bury – though a fee has still to be agreed.

"It's absolutely superb but I knew Elliott would get there and it's just a matter of time before his brother gets there too," said Bennett snr.

"It's all about hard work and dedication, and both of them have got that in abundance.

"This has come a bit quicker than Elliott thought it might, but he is there on merit.

"I went with Elliott when he signed on Monday and Paul Lambert (the Norwich manager) is a really nice fella.

"I was pleasantly surprised with his attitude and the way the man was.

"I think he'll work wonders for Elliott's career.

"It'll mean a lot of travelling for me next year as Kyle is signing for Doncaster Rovers – they've both got superb moves but that's what comes with success, and both their teams were promoted last season."

Elliott's elevation sees him adds his name to an exclusive club of Shropshire-born aces in the top flight which includes Joe Hart at Manchester City, Dave Edwards at Wolves, Newcastle's Danny Guthrie and West Brom newcomer Billy Jones.

The Bennett brothers grew up with their mother in Leegomery and first joined Wolves at the age of eight.

Wolves stand to gain from Elliott's move to the tune of a six-figure sell-on fee, having sold the youngster to Brighton for £200,000 in August 2009.

"I can't knock Wolves because without them the two lads wouldn't be where they are," he added.

"In that respect the football club has been wonderful for them.

"However, when they got to the professional level I could see it was never going to happen for them there."

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