Form of Hendry down to Wright’s man-management

There was certainly no appetite for managerial change in the Saints squad but Hendry does not believe they need to fear it.

“It will be such a hard job for someone to come in to but I know the board will make the right decision,” he said.

“They have everyone’s best interest at heart. Whoever comes in will be the right person for the job. The new manager won’t need to worry about getting the best out of the boys.

“We all work as a unit and will give 100% as soon as we start back.”

The 2019/20 season has been Hendry’s breakthrough campaign as a senior pro. And had it not been for Covid19, he would surely have progressed well into double figures for goals scored.

He said: “I was gutted because I was getting a run of games, building up confidence and enjoying it. I was scoring and was lasting longer than an hour.

“It was frustrating for the season to stop, but I can’t complain about how it went for me. It’s what I have dreamt of. It’s good to hear how important my goals were. They are not only important to me, but to all of the fans and the club. I just want to see the club and myself be successful.”

The switch from fringe player to established first team performer is a significant one in a footballer’s career. Hendry has now made that transition and he has no intention of returning to the shadows.

“I didn’t feel like one of the kids in the dressing room anymore,” he explained.

“I felt I had earned my place every day in training and to be in the starting 11. That is what I had wanted ever since I signed for Saints.

“I know it can change and a new manager coming in might not like the way I play. I need to make sure I am ready and that, whoever it is, can have no complaints.

“I want to hit the ground running when we get going again. I want to take my chance straight away.”

Tommy Wright gave “tough love”.