Ben Hockenhull


Ben William Hockenhull is an English professional footballer who plays as a central defender for club Nantwich Town.
Hockenhull is a product of the Manchester United academy and began his professional career with Brentford. Following two seasons of B team football, his senior career began with Tranmere Rovers in 2022. After failing to break into the first team squad, Hockenhull dropped into non-League football in 2024.

Career

Manchester United

A central defender, Hockenhull entered the Manchester United academy at age six and progressed to sign a scholarship in 2018. Despite having one year remaining on his scholarship, he departed Carrington in July 2020.

Brentford

On 23 July 2020, Hockenhull transferred to the B team at Brentford and signed a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, for an undisclosed fee. After an injury-hit 2020–21 season spent acclimatising to the rigours of professional football, Hockenhull progressed during the early months of 2021–22 to training with the first team and at times, captaining the B team. He was a part of the B team's 2021–22 London Senior Cup-winning squad and transferred away from the club in May 2022. During two seasons with Brentford B, Hockenhull made 54 appearances and scored one goal.

Tranmere Rovers

On 27 May 2022, Hockenhull signed a two-year contract with League Two club Tranmere Rovers, effective 10 June 2022. Hockenhull made his debut with a start in a 1–0 EFL Trophy group stage win over Crewe Alexandra on 18 October 2022 and three days later, he joined Northern Premier League Premier Division club Warrington Rylands on a loan that was later extended until the end of the 2022–23 season. He made 20 appearances in all competitions during his spell.
Following 2023–24 pre-season involvement with the first team squad, Hockenhull spent much of the regular season away on loan at National League North clubs Chorley, Spennymoor Town and Southport. Hockenhull make three late-season League Two appearances for Tranmere Rovers, which were his last for the club prior to his release when his contract expired at the end of the season.

Non-League football

In August 2024, Hockenhull signed a contract with Northern Premier League Division One West club Stafford Rangers. After making four appearances, he transferred to North West Counties League Premier Division club Bury. He made 24 appearances and scored four goals prior to his departure in January 2025. Hockenhull played the second half of the 2024–25 season with Curzon Ashton, but played most of his matches with Mossley and Nantwich Town respectively on a dual-registration basis. He transferred permanently to Nantwich Town in June 2025.

Personal life

Hockenhull is the son of former football manager Andy Hockenhull.

Playing style

Hockenhull has been described as an "imposing central defender" with "the ability to win the ball in the air, but is also a talented defender with the ball at his feet".

Honours

Brentford B