Bill Henderson

Bill Henderson

Born in Carlisle in 1899, Bill signed on for his local club at an early age and such was his skill as a tricky winger that he attracted a bid of £1000 from Arsenal in 1921.

He made only seven appearances in two years at Highbury with the Gunners seemingly unable to get the best out of a player who was a ‘queer combination of brilliance and error’.

Signing for Luton in March 1923 he appeared twice in the first team but spent the rest of his eight months at the club in the reserves, a frustrating enigma.

Southampton paid £500 for his services and managed, in part, to harness his skills as he became a regular in the Saints side for over four years, appearing in two FA Cup semi-finals along the way.

Bill signed for Coventry in 1928 then rejoining Carlisle a year later where he saw out his playing days before working for Carlisle Council until retirement.

Bill passed away in Carlisle in 1981.