Promising former Republic of Ireland under- 21 international Stephen Henderson joined the Hammers ranks last week following a season long loan move from cash strapped Portsmouth.
Should the Irishman impress, a £1.2 million deal is already in place to take Henderson to Upton Park on a permanent basis after his loan move expires. Being a Hammer from Hampshire I will spread what knowledge I have learnt about the new stopper and whether he is good enough to replace long time number one Robert Green in the future.
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Having joined Pompey from Bristol City on a Bosman free in the summer Henderson quickly became a fans favourite as he turned in high quality performances week in week out, and the few Portsmouth fans I know raved about him. The day he joined the Hammers I got a text from a Portsmouth supporting friend of mine saying; “it’s heart breaking to see him go, he was one of my
heroes and I wanted him at Pompey forever”. Such is the impact Henderson has made down the south coast in such a short time he was there.
I watched him closely at the away game at Fratton Park; such was the praise he received from friends of mine. He looked to command his area well and was always available for the defenders
who looked to trust him with his ball skills. Although he was overshadowed that day by his colleague now Robert Green, he looked a promising talent. And I remember texting my friends on the way home that night, “I wouldn’t mind Pearce or Henderson off you they look good” 1 out of 2 isn’t bad is it.
But the real question is will he be able to follow in Green’s footsteps and become a firm fans favourite down at the Boleyn and take on the number one mantle of Green. Robert Green who
is available on a free in the summer is said to be stalling on a new contract and looks certain to leave E13 should the Hammers not get promoted. Green is undecided whether to stay at West Ham should we get promoted as well, so it is a shrewd move by the bosses at West Ham to bring in Henderson early to get him settled at the club just in case the worst happens.
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Henderson has been receiving rave reviews from the West Ham camp as he looks to impress, he said in an interview with West Ham TV that he doesn’t want to twiddle his thumbs on the bench for 3 years he wants to be on the pitch playing. As he tried to avoid laughing at the away fans at Elland Road who were letting their voices be heard towards a steward after the game.
The former Irish Under-21 International, now 23, is still at a very young age for a goalkeeper but his progression has come on leaps and bound, so much so he was a fingertip away from saving a Mark Noble penalty and we know that is no mean feat. So could be replace Robert Green as West Ham’s number one, I believe so he was one of the best keepers I’ve seen this year in the Championship and I believe he has a huge future in front of him. He is a solid shot stopper and a good kicker of a ball as well as a keeper who commands his box, if he lives up to half of what I expect of him we have got a hell of a goalkeeper on our hands here.
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Come on you Irons
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Rumour has it that there is more to this story. West Ham would lose 6 points if Pompey go out of business. So taking one of the more expensive players on loan helps keep Pompey afloat – and could result in millions in payback if the Hammers get promoted! Interestingly Reading and Cardiff have also taken Pompey players. Conspiracy? What conspiracy! :o)