Dean Henderson: Shrewsbury Town have the hunger to stay top
Dean Henderson insists he and his Shrewsbury team-mates are proving that they belong at the top of League One.
Pace-setting Town are three points clear at the summit going into tonight’s clash at Doncaster Rovers.
As the only unbeaten side remaining in the Football League, Paul Hurst’s side are making fools of those who tipped them to face the drop this season.
On-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Henderson has symbolised the youthful exuberance that exists in Hurst’s squad. He is already a firm favourite with the Town faithful.
The 20-year-old said: “We’ve got a bit of everything. We’ve got a bit of experience, a bit of youth and hunger.
“We’ve got lads that want to prove a point.
“For example myself, I want to prove a point. I want to show people why I’m in this position and why I want to get to the next step.
“Then you’ve got the experience of people like Sads (Mat Sadler), he’s been there and done it. Abs (Abu Ogogo) is captain and leads by example – 110 per cent every week, a different class.
“That’s what it is. Everyone’s hungry to do better and get success.
“The team spirit is outstanding. All of the lads look out for each other on and off the field.
“We’re always looking to see where we can improve, going forward we’ve got to maintain it.”
Henderson has lit up Montgomery Waters Meadow already this season with his confident displays between the sticks.
The 20-year-old Cumbrian teamed up with Hurst for a second time after previously working with him at Grimsby and has kept four clean sheets from his first eight league games for the League One leaders.
But it is the England Under-20s World Cup winner’s affinity with the Shrewsbury fans that has him so highly regarded. Henderson has been knee-sliding and fist-pumping to the sound of a ‘Deano’ chant at the Meadow.
He added: “I’m a passionate lad. I’m always passionate.
“I want to win. I’m a winner and that’s been brought up in me.
“The passion comes out when we score a goal and things like that. The fans have taken to me really well and I’ve taken to them well.
“When they really get behind you it’s absolutely outstanding, there’s nothing better than hearing that.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve and go for it every single time. I do the best I possibly can, if I do the best for the club that’ll help me in the future.”
