Hendo is still as
THERE’S never anything about Ian Henderson that suggests he may have been overdoing it on the ice cream or late night snacking during the close season, but even by his own high standards of fitness, the 34-year-old is looking razor sharp for the squad’s photo session.
It’s Monday morning, less than a week before the League One campaign kicks off, and the skipper has been put forward for press duties.
There are some players who would rather run a lap of the pitch with a rusty nail in their boot than face the press – but Hendo approaches it as he does everything in life,
on the front foot.
“I’m very confident about the balance of the squad and the transfer window is still open – if players are available and they are attainable for Rochdale then if we can strengthen and add quality it’s a no-brainer for me personally. You want quality in an around you,” he told me.
That very afternoon, Dale announced the signing of playmaking midfielder Jimmy Ryan – exactly the kind of quality signing Henderson had in mind.
The prospect of those two working in tandem is enough to whet the appetite for the new season, though even before the Ryan deal was over the line, Hendo’s excitement levels were tangible.
Former manager Keith Hill revealed last summer that Henderson was the benchmark in terms of fitness, energy levels and commitment for others to work off – twelve months on, nothing has changed.
“I’m feeling very ready, it’s been a really good preseason which was meticulously put together by Brian, Kevin Gibbins and the team,” he said.
“I feel fit personally and I know that the squad is in good shape. I’m really excited for the season, there feels like a new lease of life and excitement about the place.
“It’s good that we’ve got a relatively young squad because I try to think ‘right, if I can get as close as I can to such-and-such I’ll be in good stead. I’m right at the front of the running still and feel good in myself, I still have that hunger, that desire and determination to stay fit and at the top of my game in terms of fitness, so that will only benefit myself and the team come the start of the season.”
Henderson is full of praise for the preparation work undertaken by manager Brian Barry-Murphy during his first summer in charge – and revealed how he benefited from a change of scenery and facilities on the overseas training camp in Portugal.
“Brian has invested a huge amount of time and effort and education in terms of the sports science of football, bringing in Kevin Gibbins, who I worked with previously. He is a very good friend of mine,” he said.
“Regardless of people’s demeanour – relaxed, aggressive, on the front foot – whatever way you want to put it, Brian’s detail and understanding of delegating to people in their specific roles is incredible.
“Hence, the structure of our pre-season has been very much sports science driven, where everyone has increased their highend capacity by a good per-centage since the
‘Brian’s detail and understanding of delegating to people in their specific roles is incredible’
beginning of pre-season.
“So credit to the guys, they’ve done a really good job towards getting the boys in the best condition they can be.
“Ever since I came to wrong way to do it, there’s