Conor Alan Henderson (born 8 September 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.

Conor Henderson
Personal information
Full name Conor Alan Henderson[1]
Date of birth (1991-09-08) 8 September 1991 (age 33)
Place of birth Sidcup, England
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
1999–2010 Arsenal
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2013 Arsenal 0 (0)
2012Coventry City (loan) 2 (0)
2013–2014 Hull City 0 (0)
2014Stevenage (loan) 3 (0)
2014–2016 Crawley Town 20 (2)
2015Grimsby Town (loan) 0 (0)
2016 Grimsby Town 3 (0)
2016–2017 Crawley Town 12 (0)
2017 Eastbourne Borough 1 (0)
2017–2018 Pirin Blagoevgrad 24 (3)
2019 Dunărea Călărași 11 (0)
2019–2022 Pirin Blagoevgrad 41 (3)
International career
2007 England U17 3 (0)
2008–2010 Republic of Ireland U19 6 (2)
2011–2012 Republic of Ireland U21 3 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 4 February 2022 (UTC)

Henderson came through the youth academy at Arsenal, signing professional terms in 2010. He went on to play in the Football League for Coventry City, Hull City, Stevenage, Crawley Town and Grimsby Town, as well as a stint with non-league Eastbourne Borough. Between 2017 and 2022 he played his football in Bulgaria and Romania with spells at Pirin Blagoevgrad and Dunărea Călărași.

Born in England, he was capped by England U17 but switched allegiance to play for Republic of Ireland U19 and U21.

Career

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Arsenal

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A product of the Arsenal Academy, Henderson came to prominence during the Gunners' 2008–09 FA Youth Cup, 2008–09 Premier Academy League and 2009–10 Premier Academy League wins.[3][4][5]

Henderson was named on the bench for the away trips to Wigan and Blackburn near the end of the 2009–10 season but did not make an appearance.[6][7] On 2 March 2011, it was announced that he would make his debut against Leyton Orient in an FA Cup replay.[8] He played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal won 5–0.[9] Arsène Wenger later stated after the match that he expects Henderson to be a future player for the first team. During pre-season, he damaged his knee ligaments. Arsène Wenger later said that he would be out for a minimum of six months.[10] In March 2012 he played his first game in eight months in a behind-closed-doors match against Reading.[11]

In September 2012, Henderson went on a three-month loan to Coventry City,[12] making his debut in a 2–1 home defeat to Carlisle United.[13] However, Henderson's loan spell at Coventry City was marred by a spell on the substitution bench and injuries. After making two appearances, Henderson returned to his parent club on 23 December 2012.[14]

Henderson was released by Arsenal after the end of the 2012–13 season, after failing to agree a new deal with the club.[citation needed]

Hull City

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After impressing manager Steve Bruce during two reserve matches, Henderson was signed by Hull City on 24 September 2013 on a free transfer and was given the number 30 shirt.[15] Henderson made his debut against Huddersfield Town in the third round of the Football League Cup and came on in the 74th minute, replacing fellow Irish midfielder Stephen Quinn in a 1–0 win for the Tigers.[16]

On 27 March 2014, Henderson went out on loan to Stevenage for the rest of the season.[17] After featuring on the bench four times, Henderson made his debut for the club on 12 April 2014, where he made his first start, as Stevenage lose 3–2 to Colchester United.[18] Henderson added two more appearances for Stevenage. Stevenage were relegated to League Two and he returned to Hull City.

At the end of the 2013–14 season, Henderson was released by the club upon the expiry of the contract.[19]

Crawley Town

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After being released by Hull City, Henderson joined Crawley Town for free on a one-year contract.[20] Henderson made his debut in the opening game of the season, where he set up the only goal in the game as Crawley Town beat Barnsley 1–0.[21] Henderson scored his first goal for the club on 21 October 2014, in a 1–0 win over Walsall.[22] However, Henderson was placed on the transfer list by Manager John Gregory after being on the bench.[23] Nevertheless, Henderson remained in the first team, until an ankle injury in the 2–2 draw against Milton Keynes Dons kept him out for the remainder of the season.[24] Having spoke to new manager Mark Yates in June 2015, Henderson agreed to a new six-month contract with the club.[25]

Grimsby Town

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On 25 November 2015, Henderson joined National League side Grimsby Town, on loan until January 2016.[26] Having previously spending a week on trial at Scottish Premiership side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[27]

Following his release by Crawley, Henderson signed a deal until the end of the 2015–16 season.[28] He was part of the team that eventually beat Forest Green Rovers 3–1 in the 2016 National League play-off final at Wembley, seeing Grimsby promoted to League Two after a six-year absence from the Football League.[29][30] Henderson was released when his contract expired at the end of the season.[31]

Return to Crawley Town

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On 1 November 2016, Henderson re-joined Crawley Town on a short-term deal.[32] Henderson made his return for Crawley, in a FA Cup replay at Bristol Rovers on 16 November as an emergency left back. The game resulted in a 4–2 defeat for the Reds, with Henderson conceding a penalty in extra time.[33] On 17 January 2017, Henderson extended his contract with Crawley until the end of the 2016–17 campaign.[34]

On 30 May 2017, it was announced that Henderson would leave Crawley upon the expiry of his contract in June 2017.[35]

Eastbourne Borough

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Following his release from Crawley, Henderson joined National League South side Eastbourne Borough.[36]

Bulgaria and Romania

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On 14 August 2017, following a successful trial period, Henderson signed a one-year contract with Bulgarian club Pirin Blagoevgrad.[37] At the end of the season his team was relegated to Second League and he left.[38]

On 10 January 2019, he joined Romanian Liga I side Dunărea Călărași on an 18-month deal. His team was relegated at the end of the season.[39]

On 13 August 2019, Henderson re-joined Pirin.[40]

International career

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He represented England at youth level but then switched to Republic of Ireland and has represented them at U-19 level.[41] In March 2011 made his debut appearance for the Irish national Under-21 team.[42] On 10 September 2012, Conor scored for the U21s, in a 4–2 win over Italy.

Club statistics

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As of matches played on 14 May 2021[43][44]
Club statistics
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Arsenal 2010–11 Premier League 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2011–12 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012–13 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Coventry City (loan) 2012–13 League One 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Hull City 2013–14 Premier League 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
Stevenage (loan) 2013–14 League One 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Crawley Town 2014–15 League One 17 2 0 0 2 0 19 2
2015–16 League Two 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Total 20 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 22 2
Grimsby Town 2015–16 National League 3 0 0 0 5[a] 1 8 1
Crawley Town 2016–17 League Two 12 0 1 0 0 0 1[b] 0 14 0
Eastbourne Borough 2017–18 National League South 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Pirin Blagoevgrad 2017–18 First League 24 3 0 0 24 3
FC Dunărea Călărași 2018–19 Liga I 11 0 1 0 12 0
Pirin Blagoevgrad 2019–20 Second League 13 2 1 0 14 2
2020–21 Second League 23 1 1 0 24 1
Career total 112 8 4 0 3 0 6 1 126 9
  1. ^ Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
  2. ^ Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours

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Club

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Arsenal[3][4][5]
Grimsby Town[29][30]

References

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  1. ^ "Premier League Clubs submit Squad Lists" (PDF). Premier League. 4 February 2014. p. 16. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 March 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  2. ^ "Conor Henderson profile". ESPNsoccernet. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  3. ^ a b "Liverpool 1–2 Arsenal". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  4. ^ a b "Tottenham 0–1 Arsenal". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Arsenal 5–3 Nottm Forest". Arsenal.com. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  6. ^ Wigan Athletic 3–2 Arsenal Archived 21 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine, arsenal.com, accessed 2 March 2011.
  7. ^ Blackburn Rovers 2–1 Arsenal Archived 6 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine, arsenal.com, accessed 2 March 2011.
  8. ^ "Team News: Henderson and Miquel to start". Arsenal.com. Arsenal Football Club. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
  9. ^ "Arsenal 5–0 Leyton Orient". Arsenal.com. Arsenal Football Club. Archived from the original on 5 March 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  10. ^ "Henderson out for minimum of six months". Arsenal.com. Arsenal Football Club. 27 July 2011. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  11. ^ "Conor Henderson returns to action for Arsenal". greenscene. 29 March 2012.
  12. ^ "Conor Henderson joins Coventry City on loan". Arsenal.com. Arsenal Football Club. 21 September 2012. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  13. ^ "Match Report: Coventry City 1 – 2 Carlisle United". Coventry City F.C. 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  14. ^ "Reckord and Henderson return". Coventry City F.C. 23 December 2012. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  15. ^ "Hull City: Conor Henderson ready for cup debut after signing deal". Hull Daily Mail. 24 September 2013. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  16. ^ "Hull 1 – 0 Huddersfield". BBC Sport. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  17. ^ "Stevenage bring in Conor Henderson and Anderson Banvo". BBC Sport. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  18. ^ "MATCH REPORT: STEVENAGE 2, COLCHESTER 3". Stevenage F.C. 12 April 2014. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  19. ^ "Retained List Finalised". Hull City AFC. 23 May 2014. Archived from the original on 24 May 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  20. ^ "Conor signs on for Reds". Crawley Town F.C. 26 June 2014. Archived from the original on 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  21. ^ "Barnsley 0 – 1 Crawley Town". BBC Sport. 9 August 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  22. ^ "Crawley Town 1–0 Walsall". BBC Sport. 21 October 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  23. ^ "Crawley Town: Simpson transfer-listed as Walsh appointed captain". BBC Sport. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  24. ^ "Crawley 2–2 Milton Keynes". BBC Sport. 10 January 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  25. ^ "Conor Henderson signs new six-month contract". BBC Sport. 16 June 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  26. ^ "Grimsby Town sign midfielder Conor Henderson on loan". Grimsby Telegraph. 26 November 2015. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  27. ^ "Inverness CT trial for Crawley Town midfielder". BBC Sport. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  28. ^ "Grimsby sign ex-Crawley midfielder". BBC Sport. 4 January 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2016.
  29. ^ a b "Forest Green 1–3 Grimsby". BBC Sport. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  30. ^ a b "Grimsby secure promotion back to Football League at Wembley". Sky Sports. 15 May 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  31. ^ "Grimsby Town Retained List". Grimsby Telegraph. 24 May 2016. Archived from the original on 25 May 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  32. ^ "Pair extend trial with Reds". Crawley Town Official Site. 1 November 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  33. ^ "Bristol Rovers 4-2 Crawley Town". BBC Sport. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  34. ^ "Henderson signs". Crawley Town Official Site. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  35. ^ "Club announce release and retained list". Crawley Town Official Site. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  36. ^ "Conor Henderson". Eastbourne Borough Official Site. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  37. ^ "Юношата на Арсенал подписа с Пирин" (in Bulgarian). blitz.bg. 14 August 2017.
  38. ^ "Подвиг на Витоша в Благоевград! Пирин изпадна от Първа лига!". 21 May 2018.
  39. ^ "Dunărea l-a transferat pe irlandezul Conor Henderson" (in Romanian). FC Dunărea Călărași. 10 January 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  40. ^ "Юноша на Арсенал се връща в Пирин (Бл)" (in Bulgarian). 13 August 2019.
  41. ^ "Under 19 Player Profiles". fai.ie. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  42. ^ "Late goals shade it for Portugal U21s". The Football Association of Ireland. 26 March 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2011.
  43. ^ Conor Henderson at Soccerbase
  44. ^ Conor Henderson at Soccerway
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