The Football League Paper says...

Ronnie and Josh deserve the headlines

AWAY from the glitz and glamour of the Premier League and, to a lesser extent, the Championship, there are lots of players plying their trade in relative obscurity.

There may be occasional headlines here and there, maybe a cup shock or a promotion, but it is life away from the full glare of publicity.

Of course, everyone wants to play in the top flight, but there are very few places available, especially when players from all over the world seek to play here.

But that doesn’t mean lower division football should be sniffed at. Anyone who has carved out a career in professional football, at whatever level, has had to beat the odds and make sacrifices.

It’s heartwarming this week to read a couple of stories about lower league players (see p34) who have really made a connection with their club and supporters over a long period of time.

Congratulations to Stevenage defender Ronnie Henry who broke the club’s appearance record yesterday by playing his 469th game for the club. It was fitting that a late goal earned Boro a point from their trip to Morecambe on Henry’s big day.

The grandson of Tottenham great Ron has given a decade of service to the Hertfordshire club in two spells and clearly has a real affection for the club.

“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,” he said. Fine sentiments.

Likewise, Josh Coulson gave ten years’ service to his boyhood club, Cambridge United. He moved to Leyton Orient on loan in the summer and has now joined the O’s permanently. He has wonderful memories of his decade with the U’s.

Their loyalty and achievements may well have gone largely unnoticed beyond their clubs, but they deserve great credit for them in a world when players often move at the drop of a hat. The game could do with more Ronnie Henrys and Josh Coulsons.