Defender thanks fans for their loyal support and admits his non-existent relationship with the manager was the main reason he left

RONNIE HENRY contacted the Comet this week wishing to thank Stevenage fans for all the support they have given him during his seven and a half years at the club.

A Boro legend, it is fair to call him, made over 300 appearances since signing for the then Conference club in January 2005, including the proud moment he became the first captain to lift a competitive trophy at the new Wembley Stadium with the FA Trophy win in May 2007.

But last week the curtain came down on his trophy-laden career at the Lamex Stadium when it was announced he would be leaving the club.

“It’s hard to leave after seven years – I’ve played over 300 games for the club and I’ve had such a great time. We’ve won a lot of trophies and won two promotions in that time and were unlucky not to get the third,” the 28-year-old told the Comet.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t get that third promotion but I wish the club all the best for the future.

“My aim when I first joined the club was for it to be in a better position when I eventually left and there’s no doubt that it is. I would really like to thank the club and all the supporters for all they’ve done for me during my time here.”

In what was a refreshingly honest interview, Henry said he knew his time was up at Stevenage long before last week’s announcement by the club. He admitted that he didn’t see eye to eye with manager Gary Smith, and that he was disappointed when former boss Graham Westley moved to Preston North End in January.

“I wasn’t offered a new contract but, to be honest, I didn’t really get on too well with the manager so I was going to leave anyway,” said Henry. “I was disappointed to see Graham Westley go because the team had a great bond playing under him.

“Football is a strange game. I played most of the games each season while I was at the club but you can’t get on with everyone, which is unfortunate, but it’s time for me to move on.

“Graham got the best out of the players when he was here, even though we weren’t on a lot of money, but we worked hard for each other. I don’t know how the current manager will play it now but he will have to bring in his own players and rebuild as some of the players are obviously leaving.”

The right-back says he has a few offers on the table as to where he will head next in his career, and despite clearly being disappointed to be leaving the club he loves, he doesn’t have any regrets.

“A few of the lads went out last Thursday as it was the last time we were all going to be together,” he said. “We’ve done a lot together and we used to train long hours so I’ve probably seen more of the lads than I have my own family at times, but we had an unbelievable bond.

“I’ve got a few offers so hopefully I can go on a do well for the next club I play for. I’ve got no regrets during my time at Stevenage and I feel I can walk away with my head held high. I’ve done well at the club and it has put me in good stead for the future.”