Midfielder Shane Henry has called time on a highly-successful Non-League playing career.
Affectionately known as ‘The Bull’, Henry played four years with his hometown club Stockton Town and made 90 appearances in which he scored five goals. His most productive campaign came in 2021-22 when he made 36 appearances during the Anchors debut campaign in the Northern Premier League.
Prior to joining Stockton, Henry played a pivotal role in Spennymoor Town’s rise to the National League North. After arriving from Whitby in 2014, he twice won the Manager’s Player of the Season as Spennymoor won the Play-Offs in 2016 and 2017 on their way to Step Two.
Manager Michael Dunwell said: “Shane has been excellent for us and has played a huge part in why we are playing at Step Three.
“He will be a huge miss not just on the pitch but in the dressing room with his dry sense of humour and stories. We wish him all the best in the future and I am sure we will still see him on matchdays.”
In his own words, Shane Henry gave his reasons for retirement, reflected on his time with Stockton Town and gave some final thanks.
The decision came about due to numerous setbacks with regards to injury, after the ACL injury I have been unable to remain injury free for long periods of time. I have picked up injury after injury. I feel like I have been very unlucky but also have to accept that my body isn’t holding up as well as it used to and this season, I have been unable to keep up the levels of fitness needed to be able to contribute on the pitch. Additionally, I have started a new role at work and I have not been able to commit fully to some of the midweek away trips. At 33 I am also wanting to spend more time with the family. Football takes up a lot of time – It is a huge commitment and I have been playing non-league since I was 18. I feel it is time to look after the people around me and be more present.
I have been in some incredible, tight knit changing rooms over the years and shared many successes. I have loved my time playing for my home town club and the changing room at Stockton Town is right up there. The majority of the lads are local, most of them are my closest friends and we have enjoyed so much success over a relatively short period of time – Testament to the ambitions of the club and the ability of the management and players to keep driving standards on the pitch – just look at this season challenging for promotion in a very strong northern premier league.
Best memories
The bus journeys?
On a serious note, the best memories I have is 2-fold – Getting back fit after ACL reconstruction and my daughter, Freya running on the pitch after one of the games last season and secondly the promotion last season – Incredible moments that I will always cherish.
The club – I have been really looked after and supported since I joined the club – many ups and downs but the club have been by my side every step of the way. In particular Marty Hillerby – club chairman – all that the club has achieved to date has been down to his drive and determination.
The management team – What a group. Micky (Dunwell) thanks for the opportunity given to me, thanks for all you have done over the years, JD (Briggs), John (Fielding), Ginga (Jason Hamilton) & Nath (Mulligan) I thank you too!
Sam (Higgins) – Without this man I wouldn’t have returned to the pitch – Thank you
The fans – The best in the North East for me!
The lads – What a set of lads – friends for life. Keep pushing the club forward boys!
Take Care,
Shaneo
From everyone at Stockton Town, we wish Shane the very best going forward in his future endeavours.
