Just a few days after the Wembley euphoria goalkeeper Stephen Henderson put pen to paper on a three year contract joining permanently from Portsmouth.
The former Portsmouth number 1 joined the Hammers in March on an initial loan until the end of the season. He will now hope to challenge whoever the number one is in the east end as the Irons
embark on their return to the Premier League.
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After completing the move he said; “”I’m a very happy man today. It’s been absolutely brilliant since I joined and it obviously topped it off on Saturday with us getting to the Premier League. The lads
have been brilliant with me and have made me feel welcome so I’m very happy.”
With Robert Green linked with a move to QPR who are willing to match his 50k a week demand, it is looking more and more likely that the fans favourite will move from east London to west London. The latest paper and twitter talk is indicating a move for Wanders, Jussi Jääskeläinen who was number one for Big Sam at Bolton, having left after a record breaking fifteen year spell at the Reebok Stadium.
Henderson rated as one of the hottest young goalkeeping talents will have to sit on the bench for another season should the Irons sign Jääskeläinen. The real question is why can’t Henderson step up and go in between the sticks.
I saw him away at Fratton Park last year, and was very impressed with the way he commanded his area and his kicking, I’m sure the Irishman could step up in Premier league, after all he did say he
didn’t join to sit on the bench, it is good to see such ambition.
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If Jääskeläinen were to join which is widely expected, following his release from Bolton, it would the 37 year old that Henderson would have to challenge, with his vast experience Jääskeläinen
could prove to be a great teacher for the Irishman and that experience could play a huge role in his development.
Living in Hampshire, I know a lot of Portsmouth fans, and he has received rave reviews from them, so when we signed him, I was very excited to sign a talented young keeper.
I think he has the potential to be a superb keeper, however maybe this season is a bit too early for him. So I agree we should sign a new keeper is Greeno leaves, and Jääskeläinen is the perfect player to sign as it means Henderson has the chance to learn from him, and have another year learning from Martyn Margetson and help to nurture his talent, and then maybe he can become number one next season.
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Come on you Irons!
100%. Stephen Henderson was absolutely brilliant for Portsmouth and there is no doubting he is destined for the Premier League. All he needed was one chance to shine at Pompey and he stole the number one jersey – that’s all he’ll need at West Ham too.
You’ve got an absolute bargain and a great goalkeeper right there!
I’vw watched Henderson together with Green in the pre-match warm ups & his handling is not in the same league as Green. He drops quite a few shots that Green holds comfortably, and that would cost us dearly in the Premier League. I don’t think this is something you could coach out of him now – he’s 24 and if he can’t hold onto shots now, he never will. Henderson is at best a No.2, if Green goes, we definately need a first choice keeper.