Football: Ian Henderson signs Dale contract extension

Ian Henderson

Ian Henderson has signed an extension to his current contract at Rochdale Football Club.

The Dale captain has penned a deal that sees him contracted to the club until the summer of 2020.

Manager Keith Hill brought Henderson to Rochdale in February 2013 and he has gone on to make 219 appearances since then, scoring 74 goals.

Henderson said: “To have secured my future for the next two-and-a-half-years is unbelievable.

“As I’ve said previously, I want to see my career out at this football club, because I enjoy it here. Me and the manager are a great match.

“I believe in the philosophy of the club and I believe in the manager’s style of play. We probably met a little late in my career - I wish I had met him earlier but fate had it that I met him when I did.

“I will be 35 when this contract expires, bringing my stay at the club to over seven years. I’ve had some unbelievable times at this football club and there are many more to come.

“I’ve got ultimate respect for Keith Hill, and he has shown a lot of faith in me. I hope to repay him again over the next couple of years.”

Manager Keith Hill added: “Hendo has been a great servant to this football club. He’s had opportunities to leave but he has never kicked up a fuss about opportunities elsewhere - he has been very loyal to me and Rochdale Football Club.

“I think it’s brilliant that he’s signed the extension. It’s great business from the football club’s point of view and also for me personally. It’s a statement of intent that we are recruiting players like that.

"Hendo has got to be up in the echelons of the likes of Gary Jones for what he’s done for me in his four-and-a-half years here.

“He has also brought some magnificent times for supporters. He’s a leader on the pitch and in the changing room - he leads by example.”