Stoke City Bentley began his career as an apprentice with
Stoke City, joining the club straight from school at age 15. He made five
First Division appearances in
1965–66 and seven appearances in
1966–67, before breaking into
Tony Waddington's first-team plans during the
1967–68 campaign, when he played a total of 37 games for the "Potters". The young defender's physique and temperament had won him comparisons to
John Charles. However, Bentley fell out with Waddington after finding himself out of the
first XI for an extended period. Blackpool finished fifth in
1973–74, missing out on promotion by just three points. They again finished seventh in
1974–75, before falling to tenth in
1975–76. On 3 January 1976, Bentley scored a "stunning" Upon his arrival at
Vale Park, Bentley stated that "I am a Potteries lad and I want to play for the club. There is no question of me coming here to be put out to grass. I still think I have plenty to offer". He played 37 games in
1977–78, retaining his first-team place under new boss
Bobby Smith, as the "Valiants" slipped out of the
Third Division after losing 3–2 at
Plymouth Argyle on the final day.
Stafford Rangers Bentley moved on to
Stafford Rangers, with whom he finished his professional career in 1981, after making 20
Alliance Premier League appearances in the
1980–81 season. After Rangers he became the
player-manager of Fenton British Legion and Foley. ==Style of play==