Graham Benstead was Norwich second choice keeper during Chris Woods' and Bryan Gunn's occupation of the Norwich No.1 shirt. He arrived at Carrow Road in March 1985 from Queen's Park Rangers for whom he had not played a first team match. 19 appearances were made in total for the Canaries. Loan spells at Colchester United and Sheffield United led to his eventual transfer to the latter in July 1988. 47 appearances were made for the Blades before a move to Brentford in July 1990 where 112 matches were played behind a defence that often included fellow ex-Canary Simon Ratcliffe.

Since 1993, he had spent time in goal for non-league sides Kettering and Rushden & Diamonds where he won recognition in the England semi-professional side. He was released by the Diamonds in the summer of 1997 and joined Kingstonian of the ICIS League Premier Division. Graham rejoined Division Two side Brentford as player-coach and played his first league game for four years at York on October 11th 1997 due to an injury to first choice keeper Kevin Dearden. Unfortunately Brentford lost 3-1.

Graham joined Ryman league side Basingstoke for whom he made 8 appearances in the 1997/98 season.He then joined Chertsey Town on loan in March 1999 according to the April edition of Team Talk magazine.

Graham then joined Farnborough Town of the Conference as their goalkeeping coach. He has also turned out for Farnborough's First XI when necessary, He followed manager Graham Westley from Farnborough to Stevenage during the last few months of the 2002/03 season. With Stevenage's youth and reserve sides doing well, Graham was promoted to Assistant Manager towards the end of May 2004 when the current incumbent Graham Pearce moved on.

At the end of Occtober 2004, Graham stepped down from this role due to personal and business circumstances although it was hoped that he would continue to be involved with Boro to a lesser extent. Graham Westley, manager of Nationwide Conference National club Stevenage Borough said: "Graham has endured quite a difficult time personally and he needs some space. By stepping down, he can sort one or two things out, especially in his business, which has been difficult for him alongside his role at the club. Hopefully though, he will continue to contribute to our club in a different capacity."