Portsmouth defender Greg Halford has admitted that the imminent departure of Stephen Henderson 'is a blow' for his team.
Portsmouth defender ponders on imminent exit of team-mate
Portsmouth defender Greg Halford has admitted that the imminent departure of Stephen Henderson "is a blow" for his team.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper is on the verge of joining West Ham United on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.
The deal is designed to decrease the cost of running Portsmouth, who are currently under administration, as Henderson has been one of the best players for Pompey since his summer arrival from Bristol City.
Halford is saddened by the expected exit of the Irishman and confessed that "it is hard to take".
A blow
"We knew about Hendo on Friday and it is hard to take, to be honest," he is quoted as saying in
The News.
"He has been brilliant for us this season. Jamie (Ashdown) came in against Brighton and, to be honest, did really well.
"But it is a blow to lose Hendo.
"I would probably put him in the category of our player of the season, so to lose a player of that calibre and lose his consistency throughout the season is tough to take.
"You have to get on with it. We have had to deal with a number of players going. Losing your captain (Liam Lawrence) is massive also.
Carry on
"Before Hendo left, two influential players on the pitch and off the pitch had gone, but that is football and you do have to get on with it," he added.
"Hayden (Mullins) could be going also, although I don't know the full details of that at the minute. We will have to wait and see.
"Now there is the chance to bring in another couple of players. But Hendo would definitely be up there as my player of the season."
