Support ensures Henderson keeps feet on the ground

Nov 7 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

SUNDERLAND success story Jordan Henderson has promised not to let his rise to prominence go to his head.

The teenager’s career has been on an upward curve ever since Steve Bruce first clapped eyes on him during pre-season and just a few months after his first-team debut he is the unique position of anchoring the Black Cats midfield at White Hart Lane this afternoon. But coaching and support staff at the Stadium of Light have been delighted that his increasing profile has not altered Henderson’s likeable, down-to-earth persona.

For that the midfielder can thank Academy boss Kevin Ball, who prides himself on giving his young charges a good grounding, a best friend who keeps his feet on the ground and strong family ties. Indeed Henderson – who says fellow Academy graduate Grant Leadbitter is an “inspiration” – will be the perfect ambassador for the club if he manages to maintain his level headed approach to the game.

“I hope I haven't changed. You get people noticing you as you walk down the street, but if you don't want your life to change, I don't think it has to,” said Henderson. “I'm still the same person doing the same things – I just play a game of football for Sunderland at the weekend. It might change your life, but it doesn't have to change you.

“Kids definitely look up to people who play for Sunderland and you have to make the most of that. It feels good when you've got little kids coming up and asking for your autograph because I know what they're feeling like.

“I was one of those kids not so long ago. I know footballers sometimes get bad publicity and bad things said about them, but I think there's a lot of footballers who keep their feet on the ground and set a good example to younger people.

“Hopefully, I can be like that. I think I will be because my mates would soon knock me down if I was getting a bit too big for myself.

“I'm lucky that I have a best friend that I've known since I was born, and he would certainly tell me if I was changing and getting too big for my boots. He's certainly quick enough to tell me when I've had a bad game!” Henderson has certainly been willing to learn under Bruce, who has helped him develop the defensive side of his game.

Although seeing himself as a right winger before the season started, there is now agreement with his manager that a central midfield role suits him best.

“If you'd asked me at the start of the season, I would have said I was a creative midfielder who needed to be pushing forward. I used to like dribbling and showing off my skills. I think the gaffer has brought a different side of my game out now. He's taught me to be a little bit more calm in my play, and emphasised that I have to be able to defend as well as attack.

“He's told me he wants to see me working hard and chasing the ball down, and I think you can see an improvement in that side of my play.

“Defensively, I think I've improved a lot in the last few months.”