KING HENRY
Ronnie Henry on becoming a Stevenage record-breaker
HE MAY now be Stevenage’s all-time leading appearance maker, but the hunger to achieve even more still burns within Ronnie Henry.
After featuring against Reading in the FA Cup last weekend, a game in which Darren Sarll’s side held Championship opposition to a goalless draw, the 34year-old played for Boro for the 469th time – in two spells – against Morecambe yesterday, moving ahead of former defender Mark Smith.
But the journey to a special place in Boro history has been far from plain sailing for Henry, who moved to Dublin City after being released from Tottenham in 2003.
A turbulent year at the Irish club, which folded in 2006 due to financial difficulties, made Henry seek a return to English football.
And, after a phone call from then Stevenage boss Graham Westley in 2005, the defender knew Boro would be the perfect fit.
Difficult
“The record is an absolute honour and a proud moment for my family because it is difficult to play that many games for any club,” he said. “It means a great deal to me. You don’t get players who stay at clubs for too long.
“In 2004, I was out of the loop with the English game. I decided to come back and it became difficult.
“I tried to get into a club higher up, but Graham Westley and Stevenage gave me the opportunity and I haven’t looked back.”
Henry, who was captain for three years in his first stint, went on to help catapult Boro from Non-League to a League One play-off semi-final against Sheffield United in 2011-12.
But there’s one particular moment that sticks in the defender’s mind, an FA Cup fifthround tie against his old club Spurs that season.
“We drew at home (0-0), which was a great achievement, and then getting to play at White Hart Lane (Spurs won 3-1) was a proud moment for myself,” he said.
After seven years at the club, Henry opted to leave Boro to join Luton before the start of 201213. The Hertfordshire native was not savouring life under Gary Smith after Westley had departed to join Preston in January.
Two seasons on, and after helping the Hatters back into the Football League, the defender returned to Stevenage following Westley’s re-appointment.
Returning to Boro was an easy decision and, despite turning 34 at the start of the year, veteran Henry believes he has plenty left in the tank.
“It was a good time at Luton,” said Henry. “We got promoted from the Conference, something the club was dying to achieve. I could have stayed.
“But I decided to move back because Graham Westley was at Stevenage again. I’ve been here ever since, and I’m still feeling good. I’m playing most weeks and I want to keep doing that.
Family
“Every time they’ve offered me a new deal, I’ve not hesitated to sign again because I really enjoy it and there’s some great people at the club.”
Loyalty to one club is deep-rooted in the Henry family history, with his late grandfather, Ron, playing his entire career at Tottenham from 1952 to 1966.
The Stevenage man does not like to compare himself to legendary Double-winner Ron but admits he has been a huge inspiration.
“I wish I was as good as him! He was at Spurs his whole career,” added Henry. “You feel part of the club – that’s the feeling I get here.
“All he ever asked of me was to give it my all and work hard, and that’s exactly what I’ve done. Even though it’s at a different level, I don’t mind. I’m proud to have achieved what I’ve achieved – and it’s not over yet.”