Reading FC

Brian McDermott has handed Lee Hendrie a lifeline to revive his career at Reading FC
advertisement

Lee Hendrie worth a gamble says Brian McDermott

By Jonny Fordham
September 03, 2010

Brian McDermott is confident his gamble of taking Lee Hendrie on trial will pay off after witnessing Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson get the best out of his legendary old guard.

McDermott has handed 33-year-old Hendrie a lifeline and sees no reason why the former Aston Villa and England midfielder can’t revive his career at Reading.

Hendrie was attracting interest from America and Greece for his signature when Royals’ boss moved to offer him a two-week trial.

McDermott told getreading: “Look at Sir Alex Ferguson and what he has got out of people like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville over the years.

“Who am I to knock something like that? I’m not comparing Lee to them, but he’s 33, he keeps himself fit and in shape and there’s nothing to him. I’ve been impressed with him these past few days.

“I had a good chat with him yesterday and we spoke about the last couple of years and what has happened with him.

“The important thing is that he’s hungry to play. He’s not interested in just picking up a pay cheque. He wants to play and do well. I’ve got a feeling he could fit in here.”

Before being released by Derby County at the end of last season, Hendrie had struggled to hit form during spells at Sheffield United, Stoke City, Leicester City and Blackpool.

Royals are now looking to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly next week to give him the chance to prove himself.

Hendrie is a former team-mate of ex-Blades players Brian Howard and Chris Armstrong and former Stoke defender Andy Griffin.

And he has even been playing five-a-side with his brother over the summer to try to keep up his fitness.

McDermott said: “Lee has found it tough recently. But we play a different style from the other clubs he’s been at.

“I feel he can play here. He just needs the right fit and to be given a chance – someone to believe in him as well. I have the belief that it could work out for him here. It might not, but I really hope it does because he is a special talent. He can score goals and pick a pass.”

| Submit Comments | View Comments (17)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

Most recent user comments 15 of 17

1 | 2 | Next Page Show 15 | 25 | 50 per page

Kightly isn't in the 25man squad but is still contracted to Wolves.

He's injured and Wolves don't reckon he'll be good for quite a while, but if fit, will go into the 25 man squad in Dec.

So if we got him on loan, he won't be fit for most of that period...so nah, not worth it.

Good player and good shout tho.

Lester Crinklesack
03/09/2010 at 15:11

I believe there should also be a comma after my name. That makes four mistakes.

This is good fun NO-1! (please change his name to NO-2 Get Reading).

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
03/09/2010 at 14:09

'Bushes if you are going to leave comments on this type of forum at least check your spelling and grammer. Since when was 'isnt' a word in the English dictionary ? The last time i looked it was spelt 'isn't'.

Pratt!! NO-1'

Oh where to start with that post! I tend to think pulling up spelling and grammar mistakes is the last desperate act of the failed. Here goes though!

1) It is GRAMMAR and not GRAMMER. 2) Why the space between dictionary and the question mark? Tut tut. 3) Lower case I in a sentence? Deary me.

I'm sure others can find more. You mug.

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
03/09/2010 at 13:56

Bushes if you are going to leave comments on this type of forum at least check your spelling and grammer. Since when was 'isnt' a word in the English dictionary ? The last time i looked it was spelt 'isn't'.

Pratt!!

NO-1
03/09/2010 at 12:41

I say give the boy a chance. He may not be an investment for the future like The Sig, but he has proven ability, is mature enough to slot straight into a team and age is no barrier, just look at how important Savage has been for Derby at this level. In a perfect world it gives us a cut price route to the playoffs, we get promoted, and magically the money we didn't spent reappears in the summer. Optimism is so much better than pessimism, otherwise we may as well give up now.

Ps, I'd much rather be the underdog anyway.

JD, Reading
03/09/2010 at 11:53

RFC4EVA

I believe Kightly is out of contract therefore not available on loan. We could sign him though but do we need another wide player at the moment?

ayjaydee1
03/09/2010 at 11:41

does any one remember what the watford lot called jobi, macduff wasn't it?

now look at him?

ajr111, swindon
03/09/2010 at 11:24

Agreed with TilehurstSouthbank about McDermott being a great man manager.

Obviously I don't know for sure, but I would imagine the wobbly start to the season had a lot to do with not knowing who would and who wouldn't be playing for the club come September 1st.

Now Brian has his squad, he can set a team in cement and push on to pick up the momentum we had at the end of last season.

If, with McDermott's help, Lee Hendrie can get back on track and add value to the squad, it'll be a boost for the entire team.

Shaun Long, Reading
03/09/2010 at 11:16

How about Kightly on loan for 6 months from Wolves anyone?

RFC4EVA, reading
03/09/2010 at 11:04

'BM is doing his best but surely he needs better 'support' from the club than this.'

Prove he isnt getting the support he needs. Assuming things doesnt make them true.

Bushes Bernal, The Hop Leaf
03/09/2010 at 10:39

I wish Lee Hendrie all the best with us, and hope BM manages to pull off another miracle. But are you saying that leaving the Reading Manager to go through the cast offs of other Championship clubs to get a team together is the way it should be? BM is doing his best but surely he needs better 'support' from the club than this.

Old Man in the Moon, Woodley
03/09/2010 at 10:27

Brian is a great man manager. Just look at kebe's transformation. If he thinks he can get the best out of Hendrie, that's good enough for me.

TilehurstSouthbank, Tilehurst, Reading
03/09/2010 at 10:20

I am a Reading man through and through, and have supported them through thick and thin, mostly thick, but now just cutting it in the championship is what dreams were made of when I was younger. The premiership was an amazing experience, so thinking back to the good old days of dv 3 & 4 at Elm Park, and reading peoples aspirations on this site is something I never thought would happen. Long may it continue. As for Hendrie, 33 aint old and if Mcd thinks he can do a job I am behind both of 'em 100%