No celebration if I score says Benson ahead of Victoria Road return

Colin Munford Friday, February 8, 2013
4.00 PM

Paul Benson has too much love for the club and its fans to celebrate if he scores for Cheltenham Town tomorrow.

Former Dagenham & Redbridge striker Paul Benson will make his first return to Victoria Road since leaving the club when lining up for Cheltenham Town tomorrow — but admits he will not celebrate if he scores against the team he holds close to his heart.

The 33-year-old spent five very successful years with Daggers and helped them to secure two promotions in that time, scoring 74 goals in the process.

He is currently on loan with the Robins from Swindon until the end of the season and, since leaving Daggers, has not made a playing return to Victoria Road until now.

And if he does manage to find the back of the net in the League Two encounter Benson revealed he will hold back from celebrating.

“I won’t celebrate if I score,” he said.

“I have too much respect for the fans and the club. If I did score and celebrate I am sure the fans wouldn’t mind me celebrating, but I have too many good memories.”

Benson still chats regularly with his former boss on the phone and the duo share a lot of banter.

“I owe a lot to John Still and Terry Harris, they showed a lot of faith in me and they mean a lot to me,” he added.

“I am on the phone to John quite regularly and he is always there when I need someone to chat to. A lot of banter is said on the phone as well, especially if he has seen me play and I have had a shocker or missed a sitter. He’s always on the other end of a phone if I need to chat though and that’s nice.”