Ben Gladwin

Benjamin Thomas Charles Gladwin (born 8 June 1992) is an English former footballer who played as a midfielder.

Gladwin has played for 12 clubs including Swindon Town (three previous spells), Queens Park Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, Milton Keynes Dons and Crawley Town.

Career Swindon Town Gladwin began at Reading's academy, and after being released played youth football with Eldon Celtic He began his senior career in North Berks League Division One with AFC Wallingford, winning their Player of the Season award in his first campaign aged just 17. He then spent time playing for various non-League football teams such as Salisbury City and Hayes & Yeading United, before moving into professional football when Swindon Town signed the midfielder from Marlow in November 2013.

Gladwin made his debut for Swindon on 10 December 2013, in a 1–1 draw at home to Stevenage in the EFL Trophy. His first goal for the club came the following season, in a 3–2 loss against Plymouth Argyle in the same competition. On 14 April 2015, Gladwin scored a first-half hat-trick in a 4–2 win away to Rochdale. On 11 May 2015, Gladwin scored twice in Swindon's 5–5 draw with Sheffield United in the Football League play-offs, but Swindon went on to lose in the final 4–0 against Preston North End.

Queens Park Rangers On 28 May 2015, Gladwin and Swindon Town teammate Massimo Luongo, joined Queens Park Rangers, both players signing on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

On 11 August 2015, Gladwin made his competitive QPR debut in a 3–0 win against Yeovil Town in the first round of the 2015–16 Football League Cup. On 10 January 2017, Gladwin moved to Swindon Town for a second loan spell until the end of the season.

Blackburn Rovers On 28 June 2017, Gladwin joined League One side Blackburn Rovers on a two-year deal. In November 2017, Gladwin suffered an injury for which he required surgery that ruled him out of play until February 2018. On 2 January 2020 he was released.

Milton Keynes Dons Gladwin signed for Milton Keynes Dons on 10 January 2020 on a short-term deal. Despite several positive performances, he was initially one of nine players released by the club after the conclusion of the 2019–20 season. However, on 28 July 2020 the club announced Gladwin had returned and re-signed ahead of the 2020–21 campaign.

Swindon Town return Gladwin returned to Swindon Town on 26 July 2021 on a free transfer signing a one-year contract. On 20 January 2022, Gladwin signed a new contract to keep him at the club beyond the end of the season.

Crawley Town On 27 January 2023, Gladwin signed for Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee on an eighteen-month contract. After helping Crawley win promotion in the 2023-24 season, Gladwin retired from playing, citing his ongoing knee issues, and joined the club's coaching staff.

Coaching career On 26 September 2024, Gladwin was appointed Crawley Town caretaker manager, following the departure of Scott Lindsey.

On 4 October 2024, Gladwin followed Lindsey to another of his former clubs, joining Milton Keynes Dons as first-team coach. In March 2025, following the sacking of Lindsey, Gladwin was appointed interim manager.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals

2009–10 North Berks League Division One 17 5

7 1 24 6 2010–11 North Berks League Division One 5 1

2 0 7 1

22 6

9 1 31 7 Windsor & Eton 2010–11 Southern League Division One Central 12 1

12 1 2011–12 Conference Premier

Reading Town 2011–12 Hellenic League Premier Division 14 6

5 4 19 10 Hayes & Yeading United 2012–13 Hellenic League Premier Division 25 12 4 0

6 0 35 12 2013–14 League One

2014–15 League One

47!!8!!1!!0!!2!!0!!7!!3!!57!!11

2015–16 Championship

2016–17 Championship

Swindon Town (loan) 2015–16 League One

2018–19 Championship

2019–20 Championship

5!!0!!1!!0!!2!!0!!3!!0!!11!!0

2019–20 League One

35!!3!!2!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0!!39!!3

2021–22 League Two

2022–23 League Two

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2022–23

Blackburn Rovers EFL League One second-place promotion: 2017–18

Individual AFC Wallingford Player of the Year: 2009–10