Ex-Royal Henderson Seals Swindon Loan Deal

Ex-Royals striker Darius Henderson today linked up with fellow former Madejski Stadium men Sammy Igoe and Andy Gurney at the County Ground.

The former Reading centre-forward has signed for Swindon Town on a one month loan deal.

Robins boss Andy King snapped at the chance to pair the young centre-forward with Swindon starlet Sam Parkin.

But the move represents another downward turn in the career of 22-year-old Henderson who has seen his first team chances restricted since he signed for Gillingham from Reading in January.

With first choice Gills forward pairing Iwan Roberts and Patrick Agyemang banging in the goals for the high-flying Championship side, Darius has been unable to break into the team so far this season.

However he will attempt to put a nightmare twelve months behind him tomorrow by making his Swindon debut against the Robins near neighbours Bristol City.

Yet Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler insists that Henderson is not on his way out at the Priestfield Stadium - but that he has sent him out on loan to build up his match fitness.

"He needs games," said Hessenthaler, speaking to his club's official site.

"He has been out with a major operation and it's a good opportunity for him to play decent football."

Despite made eight-one appearances for Reading, Henderson only started twelve times whilst at the Madejski Stadium.

The former Leeds United trainee scored against his new club Swindon for Reading nearly three years ago. However, his strike proved academic as our local rivals surprisingly triumphed 3-1 in Berkshire.

Although he was restricted to limited first team showings, two years ago manager Alan Pardew proclaimed that the big striker was worth £2m.

Yet since that fateful proclamation the striker's since then his career has gone downhill rapidly.

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