Henderson hands in transfer request

Last updated : 15 July 2005 By Simon Head

Henderson: Wants out of Priestfield 'for personal reasons'

The former Reading hitman finished as Gillingham's top scorer last season with nine goals and was expected to be the club's main goal threat this season.

But that looks set to change with the news that the striker wants away from Priestfield.

Talking to Sky Sports, Henderson said, "I have handed in a transfer request this morning,"

"It is nothing against the club; it is for personal reasons that I have handed in the request."

There are already said to be a handful of clubs tracking Henderson - and there are expected to be no shortage of offers for the big striker, who broke into the Gills side last season after a successful loan spell at Swindon Town.

Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster Rovers, Bristol City, Watford and Swindon Town are all said to be interested in Hendo - and such is the demand, it would be hoped that if he does leave Priestfield, it would be for a sizeable fee.

If Henderson does leave, it will leave a huge hole up front, as with the ageing Iwan Roberts and the frustrating Darren Byfield the only two strikers currently on the club's books, manager Neale Cooper will have to place his emphasis on finding a 20-goal striker to spearhead our challenge for the top six this coming season.

It's a big blow for the club, who are in the process of trying to rebuild after relegation from the Championship.