The goalkeeper arrived on Wednesday from Bristol City, becoming Julen Lopetegui’s fifth signing at the club, and he does so on the back of more than 400 games played in the Football League. Most recently at Bristol City the 29-year-old wore the captain’s armband, and while he adds competition in the goalkeeping department, Bentley also hopes to pass on his experience and help the squad continue to develop on and off the pitch.
On joining Wolves
“I’m delighted. It’s a fantastic club and to get it all signed off and over the line is an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s always been my dream and ambition to play in the Premier League. I’ve plied my trade in League Two, League One and the Championship for the last six or seven years, so I’ve amassed a huge number of games and I’ve always been desperate to earn an opportunity in the Premier League.
“When I heard about the opportunity, it was one I wanted to jump at, especially a club like Wolves where everything is geared to bring the best out of people, and I feel like I can thrive here.”
On his first impressions
“Everyone’s been really welcoming. The training ground seems like a really good place to be. The facilities are obviously very good. I walked into the changing room and pretty much all the lads came up to me to say hello and welcome me, which is a really nice feeling as a new player to a football club, to be welcomed with open arms, so I can’t wait to get on the training pitch and officially get started.”
Ready to get started. 🧤
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 25, 2023
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On lots of Football League experience
“I’ll bring experience – I feel like I’ve been around the block a few times, but I’m only 29, so I’ve got a long time left in the game, if everything allows me to get to where I want to get to. In terms of what I bring, I was captain of Bristol City, so leadership and experience come quite naturally to me. If I can come here and help in those ways, that would be great.
“I’m inexperienced at this level, that’s obvious, but it’s down to me to come in and earn the right to be here. I don’t think I’ve all of a sudden cracked it and finalised my career just by moving to a Premier League club, the hard work now starts again.
“Bringing those qualities, having not played in the Premier League, doesn’t matter, I’ve still amassed all those games and I’m sure I can pass down my experience and knowledge to the younger boys and coincide with the senior boys to create a culture at the football club. I’m sure it’s already here, but if I can add to that and help the positivity, and make it even better, then it would be great for everyone.”
On visiting Molineux previously
“I remember one of the times we got battered. I don’t have fond memories in that respect. We lost 3-0 when I played for Brentford and I had a very busy first half particularly, but the atmosphere was fantastic, I remember that. Going down the bottom end, in front of the home fans was an experience. Thankfully this time, hopefully, they’ll be cheering me on rather than berating me as they were on that occasion.”
On his ambitions at Wolves
“I want to play Premier League football. I’m obviously totally aware Jose’s here at the moment and he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s proven himself in the Premier League. He had the individual accolades last year and I watched as a keen football supporter and studious footballer. I saw the majority of his performances and the rest of the team.
“He was fantastic last year and I come here as competition for him and will do my upmost to push him, which will breed the best out of him and me. That’s healthy competition, so I come here hoping to push all the way, ply my trade in the Premier League and playing at this great club is something I believe I’ll relish.”
