What's Lee Hendrie done wrong?

[The Dark Canuck]

Originally Posted by Lenners

Comparing what Keef did for United to what the evil pixie has done could only give one sensible answer and it isn't the one above.
Hendrie has taken hundreds of thousands of pounds out of United and contributed virtually nothing at all.
Keef was likely paid less and contributed a whole lot more even if it did turn out sour in the end.

Oooooh what a morning for me to wake up to, the mythical Lenners has replied to me. I'll put it this way Len, we have differing opinions on this matter. You believe that Lee Hendrie is a 'big time charlie'; and I believe that Keith Gillespie is a thug (The Reading incident, and the Iceland incident with Northern Ireland).

But I'll ask you a question Len (and I know you don't like answering questions, but I'm going to try it), you stated that Lee Hendrie has taken hundreds of thousands of pounds from the club, and has contributed virtually nothing, my question, has he been GIVEN a chance to contribute?

 

[lenners]

Oooooh what a morning for me to wake up to, the mythical Lenners has replied to me. I'll put it this way Len, we have differing opinions on this matter. You believe that Lee Hendrie is a 'big time charlie'; and I believe that Keith Gillespie is a thug (The Reading incident, and the Iceland incident with Northern Ireland).

But I'll ask you a question Len (and I know you don't like answering questions, but I'm going to try it), you stated that Lee Hendrie has taken hundreds of thousands of pounds from the club, and has contributed virtually nothing, my question, has he been GIVEN a chance to contribute?

Yes, he's had loads of chances and has taken none of them.
It was a car-crash signing - Lordy how obvious was it? - and we've been paying the horrendous financial price ever since.
It's actually quite sickening when you think of the amount of money he's had out of United and continues to have.
A prime example of modern football's ills if ever there was one.

 

[The Dark Canuck]

Originally Posted by Lenners

Yes, he's had loads of chances and has taken none of them.
It was a car-crash signing - Lordy how obvious was it? - and we've been paying the horrendous financial price ever since.
It's actually quite sickening when you think of the amount of money he's had out of United and continues to have.
A prime example of modern football's ills if ever there was one.

I don't consider cameo appearances here and there to be chances, so that's going to be where we differ, if he'd have been given 5 or 6 starts on the trot, and been dire, I might be able to see your point of view. But that hasn't happened in his time at the club, so I am unable to give what your saying any credence. Much like I'm not sickened by the money he's had out of us, we offered him a contract and he accepted, he can't be blamed that he hasn't been given the chance proper. Every time I've seen him, he's shown commitment to the side, and he's added the quality ball we've been lacking from midfield. I still think a central midfield pairing of Hendrie and Monty would be a vast improvement on Monty-Quinn, or Quinn-Howard, or Monty-Howard, Hendrie's skill on the ball is what we need, but I already know you'll disagree, so let's agree to disagree.

 

[Liaminho9]

the way i see it, we have a midfielder with passion. evidence for this? verbal abuse at the referee after the play-off match, and dont try flipping it to make it seem like he only did that so he would get paid more in the prem, because all he did there was show true passion, and the way he plays when he comes on, i ask this: mr blackwell, why can't you open your eyes and give this experienced, energetic player who can actually create chances a chance to prove himself?

 

[La_Blade]

I don't like Lee Hendrie, and I never have. He's alway struck me as a jumped up little shite who has a higher opinion of himself than he should. It would appear that I may be justified in this opinion given his alleged dressing room bust up with Kenny under Robbo, and the comments he made about the Blades as soon as he'd gone out on loan to Leicester (which incidently is why I also think Carney can go f**k himself). However I think there has to come a point where Blackie is going to have to look at our central midfield and give Hendrie a chance. As it stands he'll stick with Monty and Howard which if we keep picking up results seems justified. But with Williamson out for a few months and SQuinny desperately short on form, if anything does happen to Howard or Monty it will surely force Blackies hand on this issue. It would then be Hendrie, or move Little into the middle, or play France who hasn't covered himself in glory so far in a Blades shirt.

 

[Lt. J Dangle]

Good points, but remember when he went out to Blackpool on loan and saw what he was missing. A bit of a culture shock having to wash his own kit. I read Steven Gerrard's biography and he talked about what a great player he thought Lee was when they were England team mates (under 21 I think). Regardless of how much we are paying him, it's a great shame it's never happened for him here.

I'm disappointed but I wouldn't say I dislike him. That goes for anyone in the squad.

 

[Revolution]

I can only hope that you will having those words rammed down your throat in a matter of weeks.

I hope so. Ward started well (though he should have had another) and I hope he keeps it up.

I think he should get around 10 goals this season, he has a real eye for goal, has the pace and trickery to frighten opposition defenders, and is not frightened to have a shot.

All of this is true save that he doesn't have a real eye for goal, at least not in the Championship as yet. He scored twice last season in about 16 games, and missed some good chances. He may get better, though.

In fact i remember him having more attempts on goal after he joined last season than i can ever remember Billy Sharp having

That may be so, but Sharp scored twice as many goals last season (not that I think he's better than Ward, btw).

As for this from Len about Hendrie:

It was a car-crash signing - Lordy how obvious was it?

It's funny, but I recall at the time that the vast majority of message board denizens on various Blades boards thought this was a good signing. I know I did. Hendrie had done well for Stoke on loan the season before, and we were crying out for someone who could pass a ball - as people may recall, Robson started with Monty and Leggy in midfield so it wasn't like we couldn't use someone who could play a bit. Sadly, he got injured against Colchester, having looked unfit throughout, and that was it for 2 months. When he came back one of this early games was that awful performance at Bristol City where there were rumours flying around regarding his poor conduct after the game, and everyone turned against him.

 

[lenners]

The Hendrie performance I remember was a midweek one at the Lane when he was taken off at half-time after a pretty shameful 45 minutes.
I thought it was odd how everyone seemed to think an individual with his track record on silly, silly money was a good signing.
I think Ward was one of Blackwell's best signings and seen nothing to doubt that at all. Impressed with his attitude every game. (Bar one but he wasn't the only one that day).

 

[Robbie]

I thought it was odd how everyone seemed to think an individual with his track record on silly, silly money was a good signing.

Track record? Ex-England international with years of experience with a big PL club?

 

[SotonBlade]

Everyone has their own opinion on Lee Hendrie, and i think it's one of those subjects where we are all going to have to agree to disagree, i personally think he could be key to this season, IF he gets a run in the side.

I agree that he is a fiesty bugger, but it's that side of him that underlines his passion for the game, in my opnion the guys just wants to play and do well.

He needs a chance, and i think he'll be on the bench tonight!

 

[lenners]

Track record? Ex-England international with years of experience with a big PL club?

Yes, the attitude problems and off-field behaviour were well-known.
Why on earth we gave him a three-year contract is only something our Terry and co know.

 

[Robbie]

Yes, the attitude problems and off-field behaviour were well-known.
Why on earth we gave him a three-year contract is only something our Terry and co know.

Robin Van Persie and Ronaldo have both been accused of rape previously... would you not have either of these in the team either?

Jason Koumas is another with off field problems, and I remember a lot of fans wanting to snap him up when he was available

 

[bricktop]

I think a lot of the problems with Lee Hendrie is to do with both his percieved bad reputation, and the fact that he never got to a good start either when he first came to the Lane, and then when Blackwell took over.

Last season i saw absolutely no good reason why he did not get a chance to show what he could do, and i still no reason why he is still not in the side, especially when you compare what he can do compared to lesser lights such as Howard and Squinny who seem to be higher in the pecking order than him

 

[lenners]

Robin Van Persie and Ronaldo have both been accused of rape previously... would you not have either of these in the team either?

Jason Koumas is another with off field problems, and I remember a lot of fans wanting to snap him up when he was available

Van Persie and Ronaldo were not 30-year-old players on the way down, looking for a last big pay day (and boy did he get it).
I find it remarkable that there are still fans who think a player who's been here for over two years and has let everyone down is somehow still the saviour.
He's slow, petulant and doesn't fit in with hi-tempo, pressure football. Which is why he's on the transfer list.
It would be a godsend if we could get rid and free up those wages but strangely, despite all his talents, he's only been on loan at Blackpool and there is no queue of clubs wanting to sign him.

 

[Robbie]

Van Persie and Ronaldo were not 30-year-old players on the way down, looking for a last big pay day (and boy did he get it).

But you were saying that we shouldn't have signed him based on his off field problems.... not his age.

As for the pay-cheque, how is that his fault?

I find it remarkable that there are still fans who think a player who's been here for over two years and has let everyone down is somehow still the saviour.

He hasn't let me down, nor do I believe he has let United down on the grand scheme of things (possibly the sending off for the play off final could have been avoided) - so it bemusing that he has let 'everyone' down.

I also don't think he is the savgiour, I think he is the better option than what we are currently utilising.

He's slow, petulant and doesn't fit in with hi-tempo, pressure football. Which is why he's on the transfer list..

He's on the transfer list for them reasons is it? Is that the official statement? Or are you just making stuff up to support your own arguement?

My belife is that he is on the list because of his high wages and nothing else.... but that is MY belief.

It would be a godsend if we could get rid and free up those wages but strangely, despite all his talents, he's only been on loan at Blackpool and there is no queue of clubs wanting to sign him.

You've just answered your own question as to why clubs are not queuing up.... his wages.

 

[lenners]

Robbie, someone bizarrely compared VP and Ronaldo with the evil pixie, I pointed out the differences.
I didn't say the huge wages were his fault - they are clearly the fault of management, Mebbes and the board.
He has let everyone down, including himself - indeed he's openly acknowledged this.
He's on the transfer list because he's bobbins - other players on good money aren't because they aren't bobbins.
Nobody wants him because he's expensively bobbins.

 

[SBSP]

Robbie, someone bizarrely compared VP and Ronaldo with the evil pixie, I pointed out the differences.
I didn't say the huge wages were his fault - they are clearly the fault of management, Mebbes and the board.
He has let everyone down, including himself - indeed he's openly acknowledged this.
He's on the transfer list because he's bobbins - other players on good money aren't because they aren't bobbins.
Nobody wants him because he's expensively bobbins.

If he is 'bobbins' I would liek to see what you think of the midfielders that (wrongly) get picked before him.

 

[TonyAgana]

If he is 'bobbins' I would liek to see what you think of the midfielders that (wrongly) get picked before him.

Yes, I think that is the point.

Regardless of what people think of the feller, could anyone tell me what Brian Howard or Stephen Quinn bring to the party that Lee Hendrie couldn't?

 

[Robbie]

Robbie, someone bizarrely compared VP and Ronaldo with the evil pixie, I pointed out the differences.

I didn't compare him with them, I asked a question of whether you would want them in the side even though they have had off the field problems?

Ie.... it's not always clear cut.

I didn't say the huge wages were his fault - they are clearly the fault of management, Mebbes and the board

So why are you giving him grief for picking up his wages?

He's on the transfer list because he's bobbins.

Your opinion, no factual info to back you up is there? In fact, should we deal with facts, your claims are proven to be fictional.

other players on good money aren't because they aren't bobbins..

Because that makes sense

nobody wants him because he's expensively bobbins.

I'm sure if his wages were lower he would have a host of clubs pursuing him.

 

[lenners]

Yes, I'd have Van Persie or Ronaldo because they're great players. I wouldn't have the evil pixie because he isn't.
The attitude problems both on and off the field contribute to Hendrie being an average and vastly overpaid player.
I don't like the fact that we're paying such a player huge amounts of money for playing in the reserves or plying his trade on loan.
He's played 17 times for United, over a third of a season and plenty enough time to establish his ability. He's established he has limited ability and no pace or strength.
I think you suggested he was on the list because he gets paid a lot. I simply pointed out other high earners aren't on the list because they, unlike Hendrie, are worth a place in the team.
We are a club with Premiership aspirations. I see no other club of our stature or above remotely interested in him. He simply isn't worth it.

 

[clashing blade]

Maybe, just maybe he might get a shout tonight, seems a little crazy to me to have him and be paying him to not give him a decent run.

 

[Come from away]

But if the team is winning why on earth would you want to change it - if he stays I'm sure he will get a chance but not by breaking up a winning team. Lose tonight and we will see changes.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Whilst Hendrie may be complete spanner he CAN play football and is not afraid to put his foot on the ball-usually any through ballby Hendrie is to Henderson or Sharp and neither has the vision to run off the ball so it generally runs out of play instead of potentially being in a position to really hurt the opponents.
The reason Hendrie is not given the chance is that Blackwells man management skills are pathetic (also check Cotterill, Stead, etc) and he is too loyal to his favourites - Quinn, Sharp, Howard etc
Give Hendrie the opportunity he is potentially the 'missing link' and perhaps we have had that elusive quality midfielder all the time!

 

[tat]

what!!

Track record? Ex-England international with years of experience with a big PL club?

Lets get this right Lee Hendrie has one, yes just one full England cap, it has been gathering dust since 1998 !!

That England cap gave him his "attitude" the big i am. Now gentlemen like Steve Bull of wolves a third division player had more full caps , add our own Kieth Curle who had 3 full caps etc.And many many more players with a much better track record.

He may have had a few sparkling seasons at Villa, a long time ago, he has had a lot of below par seasons since at stoke, leicester, blackpool and the blades.

The guy is a leech on Uniteds wage bill, why has Robinson not settled a fee to pay up his contract ? he is not wanted by the management nor by many fans. GET RID !! and lets move on.

Maybe this thread should be re titled to "what has Lee Hendrie done right "!! and the answer is.......

 

[lenners]

Maybe, just maybe he might get a shout tonight, seems a little crazy to me to have him and be paying him to not give him a decent run.

If he gets within a shout tonight the club will be facing a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player.
The useless plank's still serving his four-game ban for one of his tremendously committed Blades' performances.

 

[lenners]

Whilst Hendrie may be complete spanner he CAN play football and is not afraid to put his foot on the ball-usually any through ballby Hendrie is to Henderson or Sharp and neither has the vision to run off the ball so it generally runs out of play instead of potentially being in a position to really hurt the opponents.
The reason Hendrie is not given the chance is that Blackwells man management skills are pathetic (also check Cotterill, Stead, etc) and he is too loyal to his favourites - Quinn, Sharp, Howard etc
Give Hendrie the opportunity he is potentially the 'missing link' and perhaps we have had that elusive quality midfielder all the time!

Mebbes Robson had the same man-management problems because he also couldn't make him a decent player.
Or several Aston Villa managers before him.
He has had 17 chances. That's enough for a 'former England international' (snigger) to show he's up to the job.

 

[The Dark Canuck]

Originally Posted By: tat

The guy is a leech on Uniteds wage bill, why has Robinson not settled a fee to pay up his contract ? he is not wanted by the management nor by many fans. GET RID !! and lets move on.

What an interesting quote to read, considering that a majority of the posts here are pro-Hendrie, but lets not allow the facts to ruin a good one liner eh?

Now Lenners, you'd make a terrible jockey old chum, the horse is dead, no matter how much you whip it, it isn't coming back to life. It seems you one of your major arguments with Lee Hendrie is how much we're paying him, as you seem to have this unhealthy obsession with mentioning it in every post you make. Your interest in how much money we're paying him borders on the perverse.

Originally Posted By: Lenners

He has let everyone down, including himself - indeed he's openly acknowledged this.

This is an interesting statement Lenners, if he's openly acknowledged this fact it shows a willingness to put his head down and get the job done! His open acknowledgement of making mistakes, is more than you've ever done in your time on BU or here Len! So I'll throw out an old BU staple question, Len what's your prediction for tonight?

 

[Fiery Blade]

Mebbes Robson had the same man-management problems because he also couldn't make him a decent player.
Or several Aston Villa managers before him.
He has had 17 chances. That's enough for a 'former England international' (snigger) to show he's up to the job.

Hendrie has more footballing ability than Quinn, Howard and Montgomery put together. Because Blackwell can't deal with the person the easy option is to ship him off to another club - or otherwise lets pay him a fortune per week and not play him yet still moan and groan about our midfield who can neither kick with both feet or pass a ball to the same colour shirt - Its a no brainer Get some balls Blackwell and pick your best team not your mates!

 

[lenners]

Canuck,
All my arguments on Hendrie stack up with the evidence.
The others are based in some kind of bizarre fantasy that after over two years a completely different player is going to magically appear.
That I resent the useless plank taking hundreds of thousands of pounds out of our club for nothing in return is called common sense in the sentient world.
As for tonight, difficult to predict as I know little about Leicester though they would seem to be stronger than Watford. We might scrape a draw.

 

[TopBoy]

Totally agree mattbianco1, Hendrie is the best midfielder at the club and had his wake-up call while on loan at Blackpool last season when he was asked to wash his own kit! If we're to finish top 2 I can't help but think Hendrie needs to be playing regulary. He can pass, tackle and will weigh in with his share of goals. Imagine how hated we'd be with Morgan, Hendrie and Henderson in the team! Come on Kev, give the man a break.

TB.