Ben Easton Close (born 8 August 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for League One club Doncaster Rovers. He will become a free agent on 30 June 2026.
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.Portsmouth 3–3 Plymouth; BBC Sport, 9 May 2014
On 9 May 2014, Close was offered a one-year professional contract with the club, alongside Bradley Tarbuck.Nine players released; Portsmouth FC, 9 May 2014 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. He made his first competitive appearance for the club on 7 August 2021 against AFC Wimbledon
Close featured regularly in the side until 27 November 2021, he was forced off at half-time in a 2–0 away defeat to Burton Albion with a knee injury shortly after returning to the side from a hamstring problem. The knock sustained at the Pirelli Stadium ended his involvement for the remainder of Doncaster’s League One campaign, compounding an injury-hit season and requiring assessment and rehabilitation.
After recovering, Close resumed first-team duties in the 2022–23 season in League Two following Doncaster’s relegation, making 36 league appearances and scoring twice as he re-established himself in the side. Following the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, Close earned the Player of the Year award.
On 16 September 2023, Close made his first appearance of the 2023–2024 season and scored a dramatic injury-time winner in a 2–1 away victory at Forest Green Rovers. The following week, he scored a brace in a 2–1 home win over Gillingham, with well-taken strikes in both halves including a long-range finish to seal the victory.
On 30 January 2024, Close suffered another injury which side-lined him for seven months. He later made his return in the EFL Trophy against Huddersfield Town on the 7 September 2024.
On 12 January 2025, Close featured in FA Cup third-round tie against Hull City. After the match finished level following extra time, the tie was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Close stepped up during the shoot-out and successfully converted his effort with a composed Panenka penalty, delicately chipping the ball down the centre of the goal. Rovers won the game 5-4 on penalties.
On 1 February 2025, Close joined Eastleigh on loan for the remainder of the season.
During the 2025–2026 season, Close scored back to back goals in the EFL cup in a 4-0 win against Middlesbrough and a 2-0 against Accrington Stanley.
In April 2026, it was announced that Close would depart the club upon the expiry of his contract.
Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsPortsmouth2014–15League Two60100020902015–16League Two703020201402016–17League Two00100030402017–18League One4021010304522018–19League One3483010814692019–20League One2935231704462020–21League One221200040281Total138141627129119018Poole Town (loan)2014–15SFL - Premier Division5000003181Eastleigh (loan)2016–17National League9000000090Doncaster Rovers2021–22League One1400020101702022–23League Two3621000103822023–24League Two2032000512742024–25League Two70100030110Total7754020101936Career total229192029142330025
Honours Portsmouth EFL Trophy: 2018–19; runner-up: 2019–20
Doncaster Rovers EFL League Two: 2024–25
References
External links