It’s not yet been a week since we first heard that Ronnie Henry was leaving Boro’; seven years of service for the club under his belt. But it is surely appropriate to cherish such distinguished times. And that’s what we’re attempting to do with this very instalment of Cult Classic. First recruited to the Stevenage ranks by Graham Westley in January 2005, Henry was (like future team mate Chris Day) a graduate of Spurs’ youth set-up. But, like Daysey also, left on a free after little chance to impress at White Hart Lane.
Before Westley made his move to bring Henry to Boro’, experience had been gained on loan at Southend United, as well as a brief stint with Dublin City in the League of Ireland.
Ronnie Henry: The Boro’ Story
Henry arrived at the Lamex Stadium (Broadhall Way as it was) as a centre back. But he leaves after converting into a solid, dependable right back. Where pace was an issue, he used an acute sense of positioning and tenacity in the challenge to come out on top. There were few, if any, times during his Boro’ career that any opposition winger or forward made Henry look like a fool.
The announcement that his time at Stevenage had come to an end symbolises the changing of the guard that is occurring. Failure to gain promotion to the Championship and the new management combine to close a thrilling chapter in our history. We rose from non-league football up into the top six of League One. And Henry is a man who saw it all happen during his watch.
In the modern, professional era of Stevenage Football Club, the prospect of another player racking up more than of 300 appearances seems unlikely. BoroGuide cannot be sure at this moment in time, of course. But we’ll be surprised if he’s nudged from fourth in the all-time list of appearances. Jason Goodliffe was with us for six years. But he only has around half the number of appearances that Henry does.
Further more, Ronnie Henry is now the answer to a pub quiz question. That question is Who was the first captain to lift a trophy at the new (or current) Wembley Stadium? The answer is Ronnie Henry. And the setting was the 2007 FA Trophy Final. Ronnie made history at the Boro’. And if that isn’t an achievement worthy of being a Cult Classic alone, then we’d very much like to hear what is…
This player needs to be placed on the wall of legends!! with all speed, great player and servant for Stevenage, any new right back that comes had better be good. You will be missed Ronnie, all the best on your new adventure..
I hope you’re right on the Wall of Legends call.