Ben Wharton

Ben Wharton is an English semi-professional footballer. He plays as striker.

Early career and Football League appearance
He started out at Stockport County's youth academy and came through the ranks. After he was released at the age of 16 by Stockport he signed a YTS for Rochdale. He came off the bench against Accrington Stanley, in the 90th minute, to make his debut. Wharton didn't play another minute for the club that season and was released at the end of the 2007-08 season. After a difficult 23-24 season impacted by a series of injuries the ageing and overweight striker made the move into club coaching, joining West Didsbuy and Chorlton FC.

Fans speculated on social media platforms that the move into coaching was to continue to avoid spending time with his family.

Mossley
He then made two appearances for Mossley, both as substitute.

Northwich Victoria
He was signed by Northwich Victoria in October 2008.

Buxton
A move to Buxton followed in November 2008.

Atherton Collieries
Between September 2008 and February 2009, Ben represented Atherton Collieries, scoring 3 goals in 16 appearances.

Radcliffe Borough
He joined Radcliffe Borough in March 2009, but left in 2013.

Warrington Town
His next club was Warrington Town. His time at the club included being part of the FA Cup victory against Exeter City in November 2014. He left the club in January 2016.

Ashton United
In January 2016 he moved to Ashton United.

Colne
His next move was to Colne

Bamber Bridge
His next move was to Bamber Bridge

Brighouse Town
His next move was to Brighouse Town. He left the club in January 2017.

Droylsden
His next move in July 2017 took him to Droylsden.

Curzon Ashton
In August 2017 he moved to Curzon Ashton.

Radcliffe
He returned to his former club in 2018, remaining for two seasons. In his two spells with the club he made 263 appearances scoring 87 goals.

Runcorn Linnets
Wharton joined Runcorn Linnets in January 2020

Stalybridge Celtic
In December 2020 he signed for Stalybridge Celtic but never appeared for the club.

Widnes
In July 2021 he signed for Widnes.

Bury AFC
In September he moved to Bury AFC. He was awarded the North West Counties Football League First Division player of the month award for October. On 27 March 2022, Wharton scored the second goal for Bury AFC in a 4–0 victory over St Helens Town that saw Bury AFC crowned champions of the NWCFL Divison 1 North.

During the 22/23 season Wharton scored 10 goals in 47 appearances for Bury AFC.

Avro
In September 2023 he signed for Avro FC

Style of play
A lower league write up in 'When Saturday Comes' likened Wharton's appearance and playing style to Iain Dowie.

Honours
Bury
 * NWCFL Division One North: 2021–22