Henderson returns

Last updated : 02 December 2004 By Rob Davies
The return of the highly-rated stopper was announced in a bizarelly arranged Press Conferece this morning. He has been handed the number 22 jersey that he wore in his previous loan spell earlier in the season.

The news will no doubt please Magpies supporters no end. The Irish under-21 international may only be third choice at Villa, but in just 10 games here he established himself as a fans' favourite and one of the best keepers at this level.

He's back!
In some games, such as the 0-0 draw at Northampton, Henderson seemed to win the points for County single-handedly. Up until his departure, he had arguably been the club's player of the year.

He made his debut in the second game of the season at Kidderminster Harriers after being signed by then manager Gary Mills on a three-month loan. The keeper impressed in that game, and it was a sign of things to follow. He was also largely responsible for Notts' first league win of the campaign- a 2-1 success at Lincoln City.

The 21-year-old then had his loan spell cut short due to an injury to Villa's number one keeper Thomas Sorenson, meaning he was recalled on October 14.

He will now compete with fellow Irishman Saul Deeney - who has also been in outstanding form since his countryman departed - for the goalkeeper's jersey.

"It is great to back," Henderson told the world's media. "I really enjoyed my time here earlier in the season. Now I am here until the end of the season and it is a great oppurtunity to establish myself as a first choice goalkeeper."

Caretaker-boss Ian Richardson swooped for Henderson after Steve Mildenhall's departure to Oldham earlier in the week.

While the move is a neccesary one, it is hard not to feel at least a little sorry for Deeney, who, it seems, is again set for a spell on the sidelines after he had, finally, appeared to have established himself as the club's number one.

More on Henderson's arrival to come on NCM.