Former Halifax Town manager Ray Henderson dies at the age of 86

Former Halifax Town manager Ray Henderson has died aged 86, writes Johnny Meynell.

Henderson arrived at The Shay in early August 1971 following George Kirby’s departure for Watford, and had the unenviable task of trying, if not to emulate his successor, but at least match his achievements.

This was no easy task considering Kirby had just led the

Shaymen to a third tier third place and seen his side defeat a star-studded Manchester United side in the Watney Cup.

That he failed was due in part to his break-up of the side – not necessarily by choice – and under mounting criticism, he paid the price after just one season.

Henderson began his football career in his native Wallsend, and was signed by

Middlesbrough after a spell with Northern League side Ashington.

He developed into a fastraiding right winger, though four years at Ayresome Park yielded just nine league appearances, that despite netting an impressive five goals.

He moved to Hull City in June 1961 for £2,000 and it was here that Henderson enjoyed considerable success, being part of a formidable forward line which included Ken Wagstaffe, Chris Chilton, Ken Houghton and Ian Butler, and in1965-66 he scored thirteen goals as the Tigers won the Third Division championship.

Henderson spent seven years at Boothferry Park, making 229 league appearances and scoring an impressive 54 goals, before retiring.

He moved into coaching with Reading in October 1968, working under ex-Chelsea and England forward Roy Bentley, but he was to lose his job as part of an economy drive.

By the end of the 197071 season, Henderson was working as a coach with the FA when Halifax Town came calling, with chairman Arthur Smith claiming: “We have every confidence in Ray. He is pleasant and personable and we believe capable of bringing us promotion.”

Henderson would sign a three-year contract, promising attacking football in much the same vein as that provided by Kirby, but he had little time to prepare his players, meeting them for the first time just two days prior to the opening league match at Mansfield Town.

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