7th tier club Basingstoke Town the confirm ‘brilliant’ signing of experienced 37 year old former EFL player James Henry.
He drops down two leagues to take up a player-coach role Basingstoke, who finished 17th in the Southern League Premier South last season, with 51 points from 42 games played, 4 points above the relegation zone.
James rose through the Reading youth academy and went on to make 18 appearances for the senior team and scored 4 goals between 2006 and 2010. In that time he also went out on loan to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Norwich and Millwall.
He signed a permanent deal with Millwall in 2010, had a loan spell with Wolves in 2013, then signed for them permanently in 2014, helped guide them to the League One title in 2014, had a loan spell with Bolton and was part of their side who won promotion from League One with a second place finish in 2017.
Oxford United signed him in 2017, making 259 appearances and scored 58, was their top scorer for two seasons. Then following his release, Aldershot was his next club, joining in August 2024 and have been in the role of player/first team-coach.
Welcome to Basingstoke, James Henry!
The list of clubs James Henry has represented is one thing. The impact he’s made at each is another.
We’re excited to see him make that same impact in a ‘Stoke shirt.
🔗 https://t.co/Yc5nfhanfn#BeBasingstoke pic.twitter.com/k8b4YuJkrH
— Basingstoke Town FC (@Basingstoke_FC) July 4, 2026
A club statement on btfc.co.uk read:
“Basingstoke Town are proud to announce the signing of James Henry, with the former Aldershot Town midfielder joining the club ahead of the new season.
“Although most recently with Aldershot Town, Henry’s career has been shaped by an outstanding journey through the professional game. Having represented clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall and Oxford United, he arrives at Winklebury with an enviable body of work and, perhaps most importantly, a reputation for leaving a lasting impression and impact wherever he has played.
“Henry has naturally evolved into a more central role in recent seasons, and that’s expected to become a feature during his time with us.
“His influence, however, will not end when the final whistle blows.
“Alongside his playing commitments, Henry has accepted an invitation from Dan Brownlie to become part of the club’s coaching staff, something he did at Aldershot Town.
“Working alongside Aaron Nicholson to support player development, general team coaching and share the wealth of knowledge gathered across a career spent at the highest levels of English football.
“For Brownlie, that combination made the decision a straightforward one.
“First and foremost, we’re bringing James in as a player, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud to do. I don’t think I need to tell anyone about his qualities, they’re well documented. He’s enjoyed a fantastic career, but what stood out most to me throughout our conversations was his hunger to keep contributing.
“This hasn’t been a quick conversation and that was very deliberate. We first sat down nearly a month ago because it was important to both of us that this felt right, both on and off the pitch. We’ve taken our time for all the right reasons, and we’re really pleased to say it feels like an excellent fit.
“We were keen to bring in some experience and leadership, we’ve already done that with Louis McGrory particularly, and James is another top operator in that sense.
“He organises, he communicates and he brings calmness in moments that matter.
“It’s a quality we held in people like Jim and Cooky. For our younger players that sort of influence is invaluable.
“The ability to do that on the pitch with the speed of communication and his ability to shape and influence a game on the ball and off it, will be a real asset.
“But above all else, he’s a top quality footballer. That’s the basics of it. It doesn’t really much of a deep dive!
“The other side of this is his coaching ability.
“With Worzy moving on and Boards not being able to commit quite as regularly, we’ve been looking to strengthen that area.
“James has top coaching qualities, specialist knowledge and a huge amount of experience to pass on.
“He’ll be working alongside Aaron on the training pitch, helping to deliver sessions as well as acting as another sounding board for both players and staff. It’s a brilliant addition for us in every sense.”
“We hope you’ll join us in welcoming James and his family to the Club!”
Fans gave their reaction after 7th tier club Basingstoke confirm the ‘brilliant’ signing of experienced 37 year old former EFL player James Henry…
@LeviDarch: Crazy!! Hearing the list of clubs that were in for him, good luck to the boy ❤️
@Davidyo35977695: Fantastic football player and a great bloke. Enjoyed many of his goals and performances at Oxford over the years 👌👍
@ChrisHarpum: Look after him, top bloke & player. All the best of luck for the upcoming season. I’m following the team now & his progress
@MattSeagulls360: Great player, you will love him and an eye for a goal!
@callumg78241385: Great to see he is still about playing Oxford legend 💛💙
@srsharpe: He is a class act. Great signing 👏
@stumpyjoe69: Top bloke and a brilliant influence on all around him
@steve_the_tank: That’s a great signing welcome to the family James 💛💙
@nonleaguesouths: Basingstoke are cooking, seriously. Made several exciting signings and this one may just top the lot! Expecting big things this season 👀
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