PFA Exclusive with Ian Henderson: Part II

Foreign players may be taking the Premier League by storm, but England is exporting plenty of talent of its own. Players are scattered all over the globe with USA, Australia, Thailand, Hungary and Turkey just some of the destinations for English players.

Twenty-four-year-old Ian Henderson is one of those players as he parades his talent in Turkey’s Super Lig with Ankaragucu. Henderson, a former England Under-20 international, represented his country at that level alongside some current England internationals.

However, after a career that has seen him play for Northampton, Norwich, Rotherham (loan) and Luton, Henderson has headed to the hot house of Turkey along with former England international Darius Vassell.

Givemfootball’s Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively with Henderson as he reveals just how high expectation are amongst Super Lig supporters.

Q: What is the standard of the Super Lig like?

A: The standard of play is high and it is a competitive league; you have the well known teams Fenerbache, Galatasary and Besiktas. These are the teams that every player wants to play against and beat! So far we have not played one of the big sides but I cannot wait.

Q: Expectations are huge judging by the reception afforded to Darius Vassell - what are the ambitions of the club?

A: Yes expectations of the club and the players are really high there has just been a new takeover and there are lots of new players have arrived, which will lead to healthy competition.

The reception Darius got was amazing the fans have been fantastic to all of the players and staff. The atmosphere they create prior to kick off and during the game is amazing it is an experience to see and be a part of.

Q: Has it helped having Darius with you in terms of settling in at the club?

A: It has helped me a great deal with Darius being here as his first language is English, he is also an experienced professional and he goes about his job in a very good manner, he is hard working and that rubs off on all the players in the team.

I feel I can learn not just from his footballing ability but from his life experiences he has gone through. Darius is a top professional and I respect him for what he has done in the game.

Q: Is there media coverage as in England?

A: There is a lot of media coverage whether it's television or radio there is always media at the training ground. The games are really well documented with match highlights being shown through out the week; it’s a similar version to match of the day!

Q: What are your own expectations this season?

A: It is all about starting and playing as many games as I can. If you ask most footballers they will say they want to play in all the games and I am no different, I love the game and I am enjoying the way they play football in Turkey.

Q: You played in the England Under 20 squad - who were your contemporaries at the time?

A: I had the amazing opportunity to work with coaches such as Dick Bate, Martin Hunter, Nigel Pearson and Tony Parks.

Players like Lee Croft who is one of my closest friends and plays for Derby now but I was at Norwich with him, I still remain in contact with. Others to name but a few are Steven Taylor, James Milner, Wayne Routledge, Tom Huddlestone, Gary Borrowdale and Dean Bowditch.

Q: I bet this seems a long way away from Luton Town last season - literally and metaphorically at least?

A: It's a long way from Luton but I have to say in my short stay there it was really enjoyable and I wish them the best of luck. I have no doubt they will return to the league this year. It’s another stage in my career and I am only looking to the future to better myself and play competitive football.