Ben Futcher is the latest in a line of 'Futcher's' that have played professional football - Son of Paul Futcher, Nephew of Ron Futcher and cousin of Fulham's Danny Murphy.  Six foot seven Ben started his career at Oldham Athletic as a trainee but was quickly loaned out of local non league side Stalybridge.  That loan soon turned into a full time transfer though he was soon to be off on his travels again when he joined Doncaster Rovers in 2002.  The move to Yorkshire only lasted three months though before he signed for Lincoln City where he was to spend the next three years, where he linked up with the late Keith Alexander for the first time.  After making over 150 appearances for the Red Imps, he left in June 2005 but stayed in the Lincolnshire area and signed for Boston United.

His stay at York Street was brief though and he moved across the county to Grimsby Town where he was to spend the remainder of the 05/06 season.  Upon being appointed manager at Peterborough United, 'Futch' again linked up with Keith Alexander and followed him to London Road, but again it proved to be a short stay with the Posh and he lasted just one season.  Keith Alexander, by now director of football at Gigg Lane, made Ben his first signing in June 2007.  Now in his fifth season at Bury, he has the unique record of appearing in six play off campaigns - but has yet to be successful in any, despite playing in three play off finals.

Last season was a frustrating time for Ben as injury in the final pre-season game at Southport saw him lose his place in the opening game of the season at Oxford, and he struggled to get back into the side following that.A loan move to Oxford United came and he spent a two month spell at the Kassam before returning to Gigg Lane in time to claim a place in the side at the end of the season and was rewarded with his first career promotion.The new campaign has already proved good for Futch after graduating with a 2:1 in Sports Science and becoming a first time father - all in the same week.