Born locally in Chester Moor, near Chester-le-Street, Bennett caught the attention of several big clubs as a noted goal-poacher in three seasons of consistent scoring for Rotherham United, where he netted 70 goals and reached the England Under-23 line-up. Newcastle and Aston Villa led the chase to take the 21-year-old leggy striker into the First Division and Joe Harvey was the manager who succeeded, landing the player who was once on the Magpies’ books as a teenage trialist after scoring 100 goals for Chester Moor. He cost United £27,500 in July 1965 and went on to appear on 90 occasions, netting 23 times.

Curly-haired with a colourful, naturally jovial character, Albert became a likable footballer at Gallowgate forming a good understanding with Wyn Davies in season 1967/68 that led to the Black ‘n’ Whites qualifying for Europe for the first time. Unfortunately by the time United played their first game, Bennett had undergone knee surgery following a clash with his own teammate, John Tudor, which saw him miss United's debut in the Inter Cities Fairs Cup, and worse, lose his place as partner to Davies, to Bryan Robson.

United's first named substitute in 1965, Albert is also noted as being responsible for nicknaming Emlyn Hughes “Crazy Horse” during a 1967 United-Liverpool clash. Known as “Ankles” himself – having had to tape up his ankles following a broken ankle injury when appearing for the young England side – he later appeared for Norwich, leaving Tyneside in 1969. After quitting the professional scene when only 27 years old due to more knee handicaps, Albert had a succession of jobs including working for the prison service and running a catering business as well as even a joke shop on Lowestoft pier. Residing in Norfolk, he was a publican for several years then operated a taxi. Albert continued playing in local Norwich football for several years and managed Coleman’s Mustard FC for a period.