Cafc fans expected more as Aaron Henry made his debut when still 16 at Charlton; could never quite kick on and I wish him well at Rochdale which will be a culture shock in the bleak Northern Old Lancashire dystopian mill town which is the polar opposite to Kent in the garden of England.
Edited: just remembered Aaron Henry comes from Basildon so Rochdale might be an Upgrade 😀
I was slightly amazed to find he was still in contract for this season. Felt like the season where we had a decent League Cup run was his chance to break through a bit and he didn't. I imagine the recall clause is in case he does very well at Rochdale and someone might want to buy him. Most likely he'll be released at the end of the season. Or inexplicably given a new deal
I was slightly amazed to find he was still in contract for this season. Felt like the season where we had a decent League Cup run was his chance to break through a bit and he didn't. I imagine the recall clause is in case he does very well at Rochdale and someone might want to buy him. Most likely he'll be released at the end of the season. Or inexplicably given a new deal
Got given a new deal by Holden last summer, technically we have a year option but can't see that being used
His highlight was the goal against QPR in the League Cup.
Unfortunately my only other memory of Henry was a couple of Papa Johns games. He had an opportunity to show what he could do, but imho he just hid behind others and pointed at the player in possession to pass to someone else instead of wanting the ball.
I checked his stats earlier and was surprised he made 3 league starts and came off the bench 11 times in 22/23 for us, I can’t remember him playing that much.
Saying that I struggle to remember much about these last few mid table L1 seasons.
Henry like Barker might get back to this level eventually, but I expect he’ll need a couple of seasons regular football lower down as a minimum. I can’t see him making it here.
I seem to recall one of the zoom meetings CAST did a few years ago with Steve Avory featured both Henry and Barker as guests. Both were obviously highly thought of and seemed destined to have good careers with us.
Now both have effectively gone.
PS One other thing I remember from that meeting was just how pleasant and well-rounded both seemed. Hopefully that will serve both well in the future.
I checked his stats earlier and was surprised he made 3 league starts and came off the bench 11 times in 22/23 for us, I can’t remember him playing that much.
Saying that I struggle to remember much about these last few mid table L1 seasons.
Henry like Barker might get back to this level eventually, but I expect he’ll need a couple of seasons regular football lower down as a minimum. I can’t see him making it here.
He played at bit at the end of that season. Indeed at the time there were concerns he would leave as he was out of contract!
His highlight was the goal against QPR in the League Cup.
Unfortunately my only other memory of Henry was a couple of Papa Johns games. He had an opportunity to show what he could do, but imho he just hid behind others and pointed at the player in possession to pass to someone else instead of wanting the ball.
Never been to a Papa Johns game. He also played in a late season game and never made an accurate pass and was subbed at half time.
His highlight was the goal against QPR in the League Cup.
Unfortunately my only other memory of Henry was a couple of Papa Johns games. He had an opportunity to show what he could do, but imho he just hid behind others and pointed at the player in possession to pass to someone else instead of wanting the ball.
Never been to a Papa Johns game. He also played in a late season game and never made an accurate pass and was subbed at half time.
Quite right, I remember that game. He was awful, so slow, looked like he'd won a competition to play.
Wasn't overly impressed with Henry when he played for Wealdstone v Hendon last season. Very neat and tidy but only when he wasn't closed down. Might have been down to the manager restricting his role but looked like he lacked a bit of drive and physicality.
I was at The Valley to see his goal v QPR and at the time, it gave me quite a bit of hope for his future. Hopefully the move to Rochdale will prove to be a good one for him.
Good luck to the lad, came through our academy and from listening to him speak he is clearly a good egg and one that, despite comments above I don't think ever purposefully hid or gave less than 100%. He just wasn't up to the standard. Hopefully game time will come at Rochdale and he can kick on and come good.
I think it’s a lot easier in the modern game to be successful especially in the lower leagues if you are a physical athlete type player I.e Karoy opposed to someone technically great but unable to impose on games or step up to the speed and physicality from youth to men’s football. He technically is a very good player but needs time on the ball, sadly can’t see him playing above L2 lower league 1 at best though really hope he proves me wrong as seems like a good guy
I think it’s a lot easier in the modern game to be successful especially in the lower leagues if you are a physical athlete type player I.e Karoy opposed to someone technically great but unable to impose on games or step up to the speed and physicality from youth to men’s football. He technically is a very good player but needs time on the ball, sadly can’t see him playing above L2 lower league 1 at best though really hope he proves me wrong as seems like a good guy
Think he'd do quite well in Italian football, probably their second division but getting there is the challenge.
good brain and great technique but not fit enough or quick enough at the moment. It was hoped he would have a lightbulb moment last season but that doesn't appear to have happened - hence this loan. I wish him all the very best. Definitely a good player in there but the modern game doesn't suit a "Jan Molby" type any more
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Edited: just remembered Aaron Henry comes from Basildon so Rochdale might be an Upgrade 😀
He had an opportunity to show what he could do, but imho he just hid behind others and pointed at the player in possession to pass to someone else instead of wanting the ball.
Saying that I struggle to remember much about these last few mid table L1 seasons.
Henry like Barker might get back to this level eventually, but I expect he’ll need a couple of seasons regular football lower down as a minimum. I can’t see him making it here.
I seem to recall one of the zoom meetings CAST did a few years ago with Steve Avory featured both Henry and Barker as guests. Both were obviously highly thought of and seemed destined to have good careers with us.
Now both have effectively gone.
PS One other thing I remember from that meeting was just how pleasant and well-rounded both seemed. Hopefully that will serve both well in the future.
He was awful, so slow, looked like he'd won a competition to play.
I was at The Valley to see his goal v QPR and at the time, it gave me quite a bit of hope for his future. Hopefully the move to Rochdale will prove to be a good one for him.
He looked very good with the extra space we had but I've not seen him replicate that.
I wish him all the very best. Definitely a good player in there but the modern game doesn't suit a "Jan Molby" type any more