Athlone's Benson leaves door open for League of Ireland return

League of Ireland star and Athlone native Robbie Benson has not yet completely ruled out returning to the game – despite recently taking up full-time employment away from football.

Benson, who began his league career with Athlone in 2008, departed his last club, Derry City, in November of last year after a hugely successful sporting journey that included winning three Premier Division titles and two FAI Cups.

He was also outstanding on numerous occasions while playing European competitions for Dundalk.

League observers have been curious in recent months about Benson's future in the game but this week, while speaking on the LOI Central podcast, the former St Francis schoolboy said he is unlikely to play at the top level in the country again. But he did leave the door slightly ajar to a possible return to playing.

“When I came to the realisation that I wasn't going to be a professional footballer anymore, I had to do what many do and throw my CV out here, there and everywhere,” he told the show.

“I spent time in UCD where I had a mathematical background, so I put my CV around. I was not hearing a lot with the way the job market is. But I got an interview with Flutter (online betting firm and gaming operator) and I now work there as a football trader. It's going good,” he added.

When prompted as to whether he has officially retired, Robbie said: “Well, I won't turn my phone off. I haven't officially retired and the phone will always be on anyway.”

The 34 year-old former Marist College student has played league football for Athlone, UCD, Dundalk (twice), St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City, making almost 400 league appearances in a glittering career that marks him out as one of the most successful League of Ireland players to emerge from Athlone.