Cheltenham Town FC

 

Ahead of Cheltenham Town’s fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge this weekend, ex-daggers striker Paul Benson has discussed his excitement of returning to an old home.

 

Benson, who made 178 appearances and scored 74 goals for the London side, says he is looking forward to playing against the club that brought him into professional football eight years ago.

 

“I've never played back at Victoria Road since I left there,” he told the local media this morning.

 

“I played them a few times before, for my new clubs at their grounds, so I’m really looking forward to going back and hopefully it will be a good occasion.

 

“As Dagenham was my first professional club - and having achieved so much with them – I’m hoping I get a decent reception. Maybe if after the game I've scored a couple against them then I might get a few boos,” Benson jokingly adds.

 

After five seasons with the club, the Essex born striker then went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Swindon Town and Portsmouth before joining the Robins on loan in the January transfer window.

 

Despite this, he still follows the side that kick started his professional career and talks about how his knowledge of the club can help Cheltenham on Saturday. 

 

“They are the first result I look for and I always try to go back and watch them as much as I can when I’m not playing,” he said.

 

“I know them like the back of my hand now, the way they play, what they like doing what they don’t like doing.

 

“In that respect I should be at an advantage coming up against them on Saturday.”