Jeff Henderson didn’t exactly celebrate his 150th appearance in Morpeth Town colours in the best way.
The centre-back, leading his side with his usual pride and determination, stretched into a challenge during the second half against Bamber Bridge and was shown a straight red card.
A rarity for Henderson, and a debatable decision at that, the defender has consistently been an example to follow, a captain you’d follow into battle, and a centre-back who rarely lost his personal duel with a centre forward.
He has been part of a double-winning season during his debut campaign in 2018, and helped the Highwaymen cement themselves at their highest level in English football in their history.
Helping us to the fourth qualifying round in the FA Cup – our joint furthest stretch in the competition – and the fifth round proper in the FA Trophy – a historic run itself – the former Sligo Rovers defender has enjoyed far more ups than downs at Craik Park in those 150 appearances.
And all of that wouldn’t have been possible if former manager Nick Gray hadn’t acted swiftly when Henderson returned to the North East with a foot injury that he wasn’t sure he’d recover from.
With Blyth Spartans also showing interest, the Highwaymen could see the quality of the former Newcastle United Academy graduate and knew they needed to get him on board.
“If I went back to Sligo and proved I was fit, there was a contract for me but I was miles away,” Henderson told the Highwaymen match day programme.
“I then made the call to get a job and play for Stobswood to see if my foot would hold up.
“It did. I then went training with Blyth for a period of time and they didn’t offer me anything until Morpeth showed interest.
“I think I trained three times and played 45 mins of a game and Nicky said we are signing you. I just had a feeling it was the right place to come and play from the first few sessions.
“Getting the opportunity to play here made me enjoy the game again. The club is close to home and a lot of my friends and family come to games to watch and they love it.”
As for the memories created, there’s an abundance which makes it tough to choose even a select few.
“Probably winning the league and Senior Cup in the first season here stands out,” continued Henderson.
“There have been individual games which have stood out, like against York City and Boston United at home – the aim is to get those games on a regular basis.
“I am really happy and proud about hitting 150 appearances for the Highwaymen. I think I’ve clocked them up in a relatively short period of time too which is very pleasing.
“I hope there is at least another 150-plus games in me!”
