# Ben Close

Ben Easton Close (born 8 August 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for National League club Eastleigh, on loan from Doncaster Rovers.

## Career
### Portsmouth

Born in Portsmouth, Close signed a two-year scholarship deal after spending many years in Portsmouth's youth categories. He was an unused substitute for a first team game on 3 May 2014 for a league game against Plymouth Argyle.
On 9 May 2014, Close was offered a one-year professional contract with the club, alongside Bradley Tarbuck. On 12 September 2014, he made his professional debut, coming on as a 43rd minute substitute for Nigel Atangana in a 3–1 away win against Yeovil Town, for the campaign's Football League Trophy.
Close made his League Two debut on 16 September, again from the bench in a 3–0 home success against Dagenham & Redbridge. After playing only 4 games for Pompey in 2016–17, on 31 January 2017, he joined National League side Eastleigh on loan until the end of the season.
On 26 May 2017 Close signed a new one-year contract at Pompey, with the club holding an option for an additional year. On 17 December, after becoming a starter under new manager Kenny Jackett, he extended his contract until 2020.
On 2 March 2019, Close scored his first professional brace in a 5–1 home victory over Bradford City.

### Doncaster Rovers

Close signed for Doncaster Rovers on a three-year deal on 7 June 2021. On 1 February 2025, Close joined Eastleigh on loan for the remainder of the season.

## Career statistics

    As of 12 January 2025
| Club | Season | League | League | League | FA Cup | FA Cup | League Cup | League Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Portsmouth | 2014–15 | League Two | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Portsmouth | 2015–16 | League Two | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Portsmouth | 2016–17 | League Two | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Portsmouth | 2017–18 | League One | 40 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 45 | 2 |
| Portsmouth | 2018–19 | League One | 34 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 46 | 9 |
| Portsmouth | 2019–20 | League One | 29 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 44 | 6 |
| Portsmouth | 2020–21 | League One | 22 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 28 | 1 |
| Portsmouth | Total | Total | 138 | 14 | 16 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 29 | 1 | 190 | 18 |
| Poole Town (loan) | 2014–15 | SFL - Premier Division | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 1 |
| Eastleigh (loan) | 2016–17 | National League | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 2021–22 | League One | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 2022–23 | League Two | 36 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 38 | 2 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 2023–24 | League Two | 20 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 27 | 4 |
| Doncaster Rovers | 2024–25 | League Two | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| | Total | Total | 77 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 93 | 6 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 229 | 19 | 20 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 42 | 3 | 300 | 25 |
* 1 2 3 4 Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

## Honours

Portsmouth
* EFL Trophy: 2018–19; runner-up: 2019–20