Reading FC

James Henry celebrates winning the reserves league with Simon Cox in 2007
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Reading FC winger Henry completes Millwall transfer

By Jonny Fordham
July 28, 2010

James Henry has completed his move from his hometown club Reading to Millwall.

Although the transfer fee was undisclosed, it is believed Royals received around £200,000 for the 21-year-old including a hefty sell-on clause.

Henry, from Woodley, never managed to fulfil his early promise at Madejski Stadium and now has the chance to kick-start his career at the New Den after agreeing a three-year deal.

Speaking about the deal, director of football Nick Hammond said: "First and foremost, we would like to wish James all the very best for the future.

"We have seen his development right through our Academy, but the time has now come where he simply needs to be playing regular first team football.

"With the players we have here, we are not in a position to offer him the regular games that he needs in order to get to the next stage in his development.

“Young players can come to this point in their careers and we have seen it with the likes of Simon Cox, they go on to other clubs and get the games they need, with a deal that also protects us as a club.

"James has grown both as a player and as a person during his time here at Reading, and he goes to a good club with our very best wishes."

Henry has twice been on loan under the watchful eye of Lions boss Kenny Jackett, playing 25 league and cup games and scoring eight times in the 2008/9 and 2009/10 campaigns.

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Good luck James.

As a local lad, I hope he does well for Milwall, unless they happen to be playing against us!

Dr Watson, Reading
28/07/2010 at 21:11

I can't say I have seen enough of Henry or know enough about him to pass comment on whether we are right letting him go. Fortunatley there are enough people commenting on this site who are both professional scouts and have watched every one of his training sessions, so I will instead let them share their valued opinions on his potential and attitude.

What I would say is that at least we now seem to be getting some return from the youth system, not just in the players who have made it as first team regulars, but also in what we receive for those we let go.

The Reading youth structure used to be as such

Youth team \/ Single appearance for the first team in the last ten minutes of an end of season away game. \/ Released suring the close season. \/ Sign for Basingstoke Town and work at Mann & Co.

At least the 200k should go some way to covering the cost of the accademy set up.

Or pay Andy Griffins removal expenses.

50 043 Eagle, Old Oak Common
28/07/2010 at 17:18

We won't miss him and I suspect he'll be in Millwall's reserves by October.

My only hope would have been that we put that £200k to good use by helping to sign Zurab, I know it won't....

Big P, Reading
28/07/2010 at 15:33

Hope this doesnt come back to haunt us

Buddy, Basingstoke
28/07/2010 at 14:54

This is ok as long as we don't sell either Kebe or McAnuff. If either of those go we could find ourselves short of wide players.

Can we hear the cash tills ringing!