Paul Bence

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Paul Ian Bence (born December 21, 1948 in Littlehampton, Sussex) is an English former professional footballer.

Paul Bence, a defender, began his career as an apprentice with Brighton & Hove Albion, turning professional in May 1967. He had previously captained Sussex Schools Under-15 side. His league debut (and only league appearance for Brighton) came as a substitute the following season. In June 1978 he left for Reading, but was only to make 14 league appearances (2 goals) in the next 2 seasons at Elm Park. In July 1970 he moved to Brentford after being released by Reading. He established himself at Griffin Park, making 244 league appearances in 7 seasons, scoring 6 goals. In November 1976, having lost his place at Brentford he joined Torquay United on loan, playing 5 league games for the Gulls.

He returned to Brentford, but left in March 1977, subsequently becoming player-coach at Wokingham Town and putting to use the FA coaching qualification he had gained in 1973. He was later youth coach at Queens Park Rangers, and a coach at Farnborough Town. In August 1984 he was appointed manager of Wycombe Wanderers, guiding them to promotion to the Gola League in his first season in charge. Wycombe actually only finished in third place, but the 2 clubs above them failed to gain entry due to the conditions of their stadiums. Wycombe struggled the following season, and would eventually be relegated, though Bence had already resigned in January 1986 due to increased work commitments with his full-time job with the Morland brewery company in Abingdon.

In 2000 he became Managing Director of the Wrag Barn Golf Club. In January 2003 he was named as the new captain of Frilford Heath Golf Club, at which time http://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk reported he was national sales manager for Wadworth Brewery in Devizes, Wiltshire.

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