Roy Henderson (footballer)

Roy Henderson (7 June 1923 - 16 January 1997) born in Wishaw, Scotland was a Scottish professional football goalkeeper best known for his time with Dumfries club Queen of the South.

Roy Henderson was a native of Law. Henderson played for Carluke Amateurs, Lanark United, Third Lanark and guested for Aberdeen during the war. It was at Aberdeen where his talent blossomed when he was playing two games per week; one for Aberdeen and one for his army unit where he was the sergeant PT instructor.

Henderson's form attracted attention and with rumours of a prominent club from England showing interest Jimmy McKinnell Junior stepped in to sign him up at Palmerston Park.

Roy Henderson signed for Queens in July 1946 and from there he went on to have a career as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation. He was Jimmy McKinnell Junior's first signing for Queens.

Bold print sub headings in the press repeatedly give testament to his status among the best goalkeepers around at the time:-

Henderson spent 11 seasons with Queen of the South. Thus Henderson's time at Queens would include:-

It was in 1950 Scottish Cup semi-final 1–1 draw against Rangers at Hampden Park where he had one of his finest hours. As one press article said, "The Henderson of the first half was not just another 'keeper having a good day. He was a man living his finest moment". Another reported, "It was not just the shutters that he put up – he practically bricked up his goal against the Rangers forwards".

Throughout Roy Henderson's time on the books as a Queen of the South player they would spend only one season out of the top division of Scottish football. That season was 1950–51 when they were promoted straight back to the top flight as Scottish B Division Champions. The success of that season was enhanced by a run to the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup.

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