Quick Facts
Biography
Ben James Kennedy (born 12 January 1997) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Stevenage.
Club career
Kennedy made his professional debut for Stevenage as a 60th-minute substitute replacing Roarie Deacon on 31 January 2015 in a 2–0 League Two defeat against Oxford United at Broadhall Way. A week later, he made his first start in a 1–0 loss away to Mansfield Town, playing the entire game. On 14 February, he scored his first goals, a brace in a 3–1 win at Hartlepool United, and signed his first contract four days later. His four goals in 15 games that season helped Stevenage to the play-offs, where they lost to Southend United.
Coached by Teddy Sheringham, Kennedy signed an improved three-year contract on 15 October 2015. On 12 January 2016, Stevenage feared that Kennedy would be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury suffered in training. However, having also had a hip operation in the summer and personal leave in the middle of the season, he returned to action in February.
International career
Kennedy is the captain of the Northern Ireland national under-19 football team.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Stevenage | 2014–15 | League Two | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 4 |
| 2015–16 | League Two | 22 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 25 | 3 | |
| 2016–17 | League Two | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | |
| Career total | 48 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 54 | 10 | ||