Billy Hendry

Football career Early career After leaving school, Hendry, a talented forward, played for Dunblane Thistle and then Dundee Wanderers, usually at outside right, but he was soon to play football in England. There was no professional football at the time in Scotland, so those players with talents to sell crossed the border.

In 1888, Hendry found himself playing for West Bromwich Albion in the first Football League season. It was Drummond who was to score the goal that took the Baldes into the First Division in 1893, but it was Hendry's signing that was the most significant. By now, Hendry had become a centre half. He was made team captain at Sheffield United and remained so until his career with the club ended in 1895.

He was a small stocky player, described as neat, cool and calculating with 'exceptional skill'. His value to Sheffield United lay not just in the shrewdness and effectiveness of his play, but in the direction and leadership he gave to the club in the early years of Sheffield United in general. The United committee "set great value upon his options as to the arrangement and formation of the team, and placed confidence in his judgement... and ability as a player, a captain, and an adviser" It was also said that Hendry's advice and guidance helped the natural talents of Ernest Needham, who was to become an England international. then returned South of the border to play for Bury in The Football League before moving to Brighton United and finally to Shrewsbury Town where he remained until his death in 1901 from heart disease.

Style of play Hendry had an ability to skilfully dribble the ball, a technique not used in the traditional English game in the 1880s. (One source described Hendry had qualities of speed, headwork and whole-hearted endeavour. )

Career statistics

Honours Sheffield United Second Division: Runners Up – 1893