Sheffield United's Dean Henderson talks highs, lows and having the last laugh on cowardly social media trolls

Nine months ago, Dean Henderson was in torment.
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Not because Sheffield United were battling for promotion. Or, as he sought to make amends for his errors against Aston Villa three weeks earlier, the goalkeeper feared he had cost them a place in the Premier League. No. Something much more sinister, something which also caused distress to his family, friends and loved ones, was unfortunately at play.

“I enjoy banter with the fans but last year, at Hillsborough and Elland Road, it wasn’t pleasant for me or my family either,” Henderson told The Star, remembering how social media trolls had attempted to sully his reputation ahead of United’s visits to Leeds and neighbours Sheffield Wednesday.

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“Some of the accusations were horrendous. If it was racism, then people would be getting banned from stadiums. For me, coming from a good family, it really was one of the worst things you could be called.”

Henderson’s voice was cracking with emotion as, 48 hours before United renew their acquaintance with Villa, he described the pain and the suffering these cowardly keyboard warriors, many choosing to hide behind a cloak of anonymity, can cause.

The untruthful accusations, which then spilled over into stadiums, were probably designed to try and put the youngster off his game. They proved unsuccessful. But Henderson, despite having the last laugh by helping United reach the top-flight, refuses to forgive or forget.

“I used to go back to my apartment and feel really lonely,” he continued. “I’d be sat there thinking ‘How has this happened to me?’ Only my girlfriend really knew how it affected me, for a good two or three months.

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“We stuck together as a family though, and came out the other end.”

Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson was recently called into the senior England squad: Joe Giddens/PA Wire.Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson was recently called into the senior England squad: Joe Giddens/PA Wire.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson was recently called into the senior England squad: Joe Giddens/PA Wire.

Speaking nearly one year on, Henderson admitted the lies, which targeted his personal life, ensured “it meant the world” to him when United recorded a pivotal victory over their rivals from West Yorkshire.

Chris Wilder’s side went on to finish second. Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, who had entered that match two points above the visitors, were forced to settle for the play-offs where they were beaten by Derby County, who in turn lost to Villa in May’s Wembley final.

“One hundred per cent, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Henderson replied, when asked if the episode had made him a tougher professional. “Going out there, taking all that bad stuff, I had to deal with it on my own.

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“At 22, to have to take all of that on the chin, I don’t think people realise what I went through.

Dean Henderson celebrates Sheffield United's win over Norwich City at Carrow Road: James Wilson/SportimageDean Henderson celebrates Sheffield United's win over Norwich City at Carrow Road: James Wilson/Sportimage
Dean Henderson celebrates Sheffield United's win over Norwich City at Carrow Road: James Wilson/Sportimage

“But kept moving forward, which I will always do.”

Henderson, like United, has been on a forward trajectory ever since. Indeed, now a member of the senior England squad, the youngster has made a habit of using adversity to inspire stellar performances.

Last term, when United travelled to Villa Park, a Billy Sharp hat-trick saw them establish a seemingly unassailable lead. But three goals in the final 10 minutes, two of which were down to Henderson’s mistakes, saw the hosts snatch a draw. Henderson’s response came in the form of seven straight clean sheets, including ones against Wednesday and most famously Leeds.

“It turned out to be fantastic,” Henderson acknowledged, ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Dean Smith’s team.

Dean Henderson speaks to the media ahead of tomorrow's game against Aston Villa at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/SportimageDean Henderson speaks to the media ahead of tomorrow's game against Aston Villa at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Dean Henderson speaks to the media ahead of tomorrow's game against Aston Villa at Bramall Lane: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
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“It was a kick up the backside for me. We battered them to begin with and then got hit with a sucker punch, which wasn’t nice. I still think that helped us to go on and get promoted and all of the boys believe the same.”

“It was rough in the dressing room afterwards,” he continued. “But that was good too, because it showed how much everyone cared.”

United have made a strong start to life back in the top-flight, climbing to eighth following Sunday’s win over Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Henderson, telling the story of that match, explained why arguably the most difficult experience of his career has not put him off interacting with opposition supporters.

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“I love the banter,” he said. “That’s what you play the game for. Norwich fans were giving me a load of stick, especially when they were leading, but it was all good stuff so I had a bit back with them.

“I enjoy it and I think they (supporters) enjoy it too. It helps them build a relationship with players, gives them something to watch and a bit of fun to go away with.”

Dean Henderson, the Sheffield United goalkeeper, had the last laugh on those who peddled lies about his private life: Simon Bellis/SportimageDean Henderson, the Sheffield United goalkeeper, had the last laugh on those who peddled lies about his private life: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Dean Henderson, the Sheffield United goalkeeper, had the last laugh on those who peddled lies about his private life: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Henderson is now in his second season with United, after arriving on loan from Manchester United at the start of last term.

Tom Heaton, another member of Gareth Southgate’s England set-up, is set to keep goal for Villa having also graduated from Old Trafford’s youth system.

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“First and foremost it’s about us getting a result,” Henderson said. “But it will be good to come up against Tom, because he’s a good experienced professional with a similar pathway to myself, having to go away and get games.

“He’s had a fantastic career and he seems to be playing really well at the minute. But I’m hoping to get one over on him this weekend.”

Villa, nine places behind United, lost 4-1 on their last appearance at Bramall Lane. Jack Grealish, one of the country’s most exciting young talents, and his fellow midfielder, Scotland’s John McGinn, both took part in that fixture.

“They’ve got some cracking players,” Henderson said. “So it’s going to be a really tough game, although hopefully that sticks in the back of their minds. Both teams will put their cards on the table and really go for it.

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“But I wouldn’t like to come to Bramall Lane as an away player, because of the atmosphere. We never get starstruck.

“Two arms and two legs, every player has got the same and we’ll have a go at anyone.”