Non-league Basford United have thanked former Premier League star Lee Hendrie for his service after confirming he has left the club.
Chairman Chris Munroe told Notts TV News he was grateful for what the former England midfielder did in a two-year spell, and said he’d always be fondly remembered at Greenwich Avenue.
He said: “He brought experience and knowledge that we’ve not had previously, he was a real asset.”
Hendrie played at the top level of English football, amassing more than 250 games for Aston Villa, plus an England cap.
Besides some big performances for Basford, he also acted as a mentor to many of the club’s younger players.
“His attitude and commitment was infectious,” Munroe added.
Despite already nearing the end of his playing career when he signed in December 2013, the 38-year-old delivered on the pitch as well as off it.
He had a brilliant footballing brain
Munroe said: “Lee was very fit despite being 36 at the time he signed. He had a brilliant footballing brain and had a natural ability to make a pass that not many do.
“He played well over 30 games last season and easily got into double figures for goals, which is great for a midfielder.”
Hendrie helped United win promotion to the Evo-Stik League last season by winning the Midland Football League Premier Division. They also won the Notts Senior Cup.
Hendrie suffered well-publicised financial and personal problems late on in his career but became a cult hero in non-league after continuing his playing days at clubs including Tamworth and Basford.
Munroe said Hendrie intended to do more work on television. He also runs the Lee Hendrie Academy, a training centre for young players based in Birmingham
Video: Lee Hendrie scores against Carlton Town. Courtesy of Basford Utd YouTube Channel
