It was with great sadness that Hull City learned of the recent passing of former player Ray Henderson at the age of 86.
An integral part of the 1965/66 Division Three title-winning side, the right-sided forward scored 61 goals in 264 appearances during an incredible seven years at the club.
Born in Wallsend, Henderson trained as a marine engineer while playing semi-professional football at Ashington. After spending four seasons at Middlesbrough, he signed for City in June 1961.
Making his senior debut against Port Vale two months after signing, he would go on to score his first goal on his fourth Tigers appearance when netting the opener in a 3-0 away win at Lincoln City.
Recording nine goals in all competitions in his debut campaign, one of Henderson’s most notable performances in a City shirt came on 7 October 1964, scoring a hat-trick at Boothferry Park in a 7-0 victory over Barnsley.
Henderson made history for City when becoming the first player ever to be substituted on for the Tigers on 28 August 1965, before going on to score the winning goal in that very game, a 2-1 victory away at Brighton & Hove Albion.
In the league-winning campaign, Henderson produced his best goalscoring season in City colours, netting 13 times in 39 appearances as Cliff Britton’s men lifted the Division Three title.
Scoring in his 264th and final appearance for the club in a 4-0 demolition against Rotherham United in April 1968, the forward then moved to Reading as a player-coach, playing one season before retiring from playing.
He would later go on to have coaching spells at Halifax Town, Everton and Southport before moving into the printing industry.
Our thoughts are with Ray’s family and close friends at this difficult time.