The Spartans can this morning confirm that we have reluctantly agreed to release Blair Henderson from his contract to allow him to pursue more game time in the next part of his journey.
A firm fans favourite since joining the Club in the summer of 2021, Blair, of course, was one of the key architects of The Spartans successful pyramid promotion journey, with his crucial spot-kick against Albion Rovers securing the Club’s passage into SPFL 2.
During his time at the Vanloq Community Stadium, Blair scored no fewer than 106 goals in only 190 appearances. Within that impressive haul came the striker’s 100th SPFL goal at the beginning of 2024, joining an elite band of players who have achieved the milestone.
Henderson’s haul of hat-tricks across the seasons continued to add to a sizeable collection of match balls picked up across the length and breadth of the country.
Whilst it would be a challenge to pick out a favourite goal to focus on for the benefit of this article, who can forget the sweetly struck half volley at Bonnyrigg or the lopping header to rumble Ross County in the cup? The winner against Dundee United will remain in fans memory bank for some time to come and what about those crucial goals against Brechin City to reach that all important Play-Off Final.
Reflecting on his time at The Spartans, Blair said, “Unfortunately the day has come where I need to say goodbye to a club that had become my home for the last 4 years. So many friends and memories made. In the Summer of 2021, Dougie sold me the dream of promotion and a place where I would become something, I bought it and we delivered!
“At this stage of my career, I really want to be playing as much as possible and that wasn’t going to be available to me moving forward so it was agreed I needed a fresh start.
“Thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcome and to every single person who has contributed to an amazing success story which definitely isn’t finished yet.”
Manager Douglas Samuel praised Henderson for this invaluable contribution, “Some players leave their mark, leave a huge footprint when they move on from a Football Club. Some players can say that they helped a Club to reach new heights. ‘Hendo’ leaves Spartans having achieved and done just that. I feel very lucky to have worked with and got to know Blair, he’s been a real joy to manage.
“On a more personal note, I’ll always be grateful to Blair for taking a leap of faith, and for his friendship. He’s a class act on and off the park”.
Speaking of Henderson’s move, Chairman Craig Graham said, “Blair will always be a Spartans legend. His goals were instrumental in our promotion from the Lowland League, more goals brought us very close to promotion in Season 1 in the SPFL and his superb header against Ross County in the League Cup last season gave us a brilliant day out at Aberdeen.
“Everyone at the club will be sorry to see him move on and I am sure I speak for everyone at the club in saying a massive thank you.”
