Ian Henderson’s shock statement, which published on Saturday lunchtime, has fans lashing out at his now former club Rochdale.
It was on Friday that the League One side released eight players, including their second highest scorer of all-time, Henderson.
He scored 16 goals for the Greater Manchester side during the 2019-20 season, and since joining in July 2013, the 35-year-old striker has scored 126 goals.
View this post on Instagram
He took to his Facebook account to give his thoughts on being axed, which he found out online.
Hendo said: “To find out my 7 1/2 year association with AFC Rochdale was coming to an end via social media was a shock to say the least.
“I only received an email yesterday morning confirming that the offer the club had previously made to extend my contract was being retracted and I was therefore being released.
“I am not just shocked but unbelievably upset and disappointed to have found this out in this manner.
“It was always my intention to try and stay at Rochdale and make it to my testimonial year and try and become the all time top scorer of the football club.
“I had been in negotiations with the football club, for some time, regarding an extension prior to the covid-19 pandemic but if I am honest the lines of communication were extremely inconsistent to say the least.
“I was not trying to ask for more money than what the club was offering and we ended up at a stand-off over some minor details. The negotiations became protracted and it became clear I was not being told the full truth.
“I would have thought with all that I have given to this football club over those 7 1/2 years would have meant I would have been treated with a level of respect, the same level of respect I have always shown them.
“Anyway, unfortunately I will now be leaving a football club, so dear to mine and my family’s heart, but not in the way I had dreamed and envisioned it ending.
“Finally I would like to thank the incredible supporters who I have always had such a special relationship and affinity with and I hope I have brought some happiness and joy to you throughout my time with the football club.
“I can leave knowing I left all that I could give out there on the football pitch and with my head held high.
“I am big enough to take things on the chin and one thing this current pandemic has shown us all is life is too short and precious and therefore I will not hold a grudge. Up the Dale.”
As mentioned, Ian Henderson’s shock statement has fans lashing out at Rochdale…
Strange that this is posted just a minute after Hendo updates his Facebook page to say he found out he was being released via social media
— Robert Dickinson (@DaleDicko) June 20, 2020
@officiallydale you’ve got some explaining to do in regards to Ian Henderson’s comments
— Thomas Culshaw (@ThomasCulshaw2) June 20, 2020
Ian Henderson coming out about the club retracting their offer for him to stay at the club is shocking. Kicking out a legend of the club and stopping his opportunity to make history by becoming top goalscorer of all time for the Dale. Shame on Rochdale Football Club…
— JT (@rafcjacob18) June 20, 2020
No good posting that now the people behind this need sacking or to leave the club!
— Lee Woodhouse (@Lee_Bullet) June 20, 2020
Absolutely, proper a nice guy as well. All those years he could have left too and he didn’t. Always thought we wouldn’t be like that.
— Ed Walton (@BonafideWalton) June 20, 2020
One of the greatest of all time for the club, finding out he’s been released via social media? Beyond a joke. Thank you for everything, Hendo!
— Ryan Roberts (@RyanRob68026366) June 20, 2020
Disgusting of the club to treat him like that after everything he’s done and the loyalty he’s shown. You would think lessons were learnt after the way Gary Jones left!
— Henry France (@funkyhenry12) June 20, 2020
Does any other club treat legends like shit? Jonah now Hendo, gave the majority of their careers to us then dumped without being able to say goodbye properly. This club isn’t the same anymore, losing touch with the fans.
— Griff (@JGriffin1971) June 20, 2020
Disgraceful behaviour from the management and the board! #explainwhy
— Chris (@heys831) June 20, 2020
Shocked and sickened by the club. Get him back or lose your fan base. Season ticket wont be purchased untill you explain yourselves. IDIOTS
— Clive Maynock (@CMaynock) June 20, 2020
David ‘Capa’ Candlin: A bit of a disgrace you were treated in this manner after all your years of service mate. I’d expected better from my home town club! Still a few more games in those legs pal. I’m sure a club will snap you up 
Jacob Wright: Absolute disgrace Hendo. You owe us absolutely nothing and the club should have gone all out to keep you. You will be sorely missed by us supporters and hopefully this can be resolved and you can break that record you so deserve to break! 
Anthony Britland: Absolute shit show of Rochdale treating you like that. Gutted you’ve gone. Good luck Hendo. 
Daniel Richardson: Sorry to see you leave the club in this way, Ian. You’ve been a legend of this club and we’d be in League Two without you. You’re gonna be incredibly hard to replace. I’d like to hear the club’s side on this. All the best for your future. 
Stig Strand: Saddened to read this. Not the way to end your tenure – shame on the club
George Brigham: Shocking to read how you have been treated by the club, Ian. Some of by best footballing moments have been provided by you for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Good luck in the next phase and thanks. True fans appreciate you.
Luke Lloyd: Clubs got some explaining to do! Thanks for everything you’ve done and for the moments we’ll never forget! Heres to you Ian Henderson 
You must be logged in to post a comment Login