Shrewsbury wing-back Mal Benning hoping for more representation among minority groups after milestone

Salop's 2-1 win over Rotherham at the weekend saw the 31-year-old reach the milestone.

Benning, who is a Sikh with a South Asian background, also ticked off his 150th League One appearance the week before in the win over Mansfield at the Croud Meadow.

And the left wing-back, who signed for Shrewsbury from Port Vale in the summer of 2023, says while representation is getting better, more still needs to be done.

"I want there to be more South Asians in the game," he said. "When I came through at Walsall, there were not many. Perhaps the odd one or two were from that background.

"I have been in the game 13 or 14 years now, and there are more young lads coming through, which is great to see.

"It is hard to make a career out of it. You can start by making loads of appearances, and if things happen, you can fall off - it is challenging to stay in the game.

"I want there to be more representation, to be honest. The more there is, the more of us can get into the game.

"I would love to be that shoulder to lean on for any South Asian lads who need advice or nurturing in the professional game."

It was almost fate for Benning that his 150th League One game came against Mansfield - one of his former clubs.

And he scored at Wembley for the Stags: "For someone from my background to score at Wembley shows it is possible to play on the big stage and make a career in the game.

"There are more and more of us coming through now, so hopefully, there will be more in the future.

"I think there needs to be a fairer chance. I have said that before. It might be a bit controversial, but I stand by it.

"There is a scheme that the PFA are doing now, which is raising more awareness."