West Ham keeper Stephen Henderson signs for Ipswich Town – but can be recalled within 24 hours
WEST Ham keeper Stephen Henderson has completed his three-month loan move to Ipswich Town.
The 24-year-old stopper becomes Paul Jewell’s fifth signing in less than a fortnight – and Town’s eighth loan signing in the current first-team squad.
His parent club have confirmed on their website that the loan deal includes a 24-hour recall which means Henderson can return to Upton Park almost immediately.
He will now contest the Town number one jersey with Scott Loach and Arran Lee-Barrett after finding opportunities hard to come by at the Premier League newcomers.
Henderson said: “I’ve not played much football this season so when I was told I could go out on loan, my agent contacted Ipswich and once I knew they wanted me, that was it.
“I’ve played here a few times. It’s a fantastic football club and I’m really looking forward to the three months here and showing what I can do.”
Jewell initially tried to sign the keeper in January before he moved to West Ham two months later, first on loan and then seeing a permanent deal completed in the summer.
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The Blues boss said: “We’re delighted to have Stephen here and he will add to the competition we have in the goalkeeping areas.
“Scott’s [Loach] confidence has taken a little knock just lately – that happens to every player at some stage. He’ll get through it and be better for it but bringing Stephen in gives us other options, along with Arran (Lee-Barrett) as well.
“It’s been well-documented that we tried to bring Stephen to theclub last season but Portsmouth did not accept our offer.
“We weren’t the only club after him and obviously he’s a West Ham player now and playing at a Premier League club.
“He’s been on the bench for them this season but when the opportunity came up to bring him here on loan, it’s one we wanted to take because he’s a very good goalkeeper and can only benefit the squad.”