Albert “Bert” Henderson

Albert Henderson signed for Dundee on 24^th November 1951. He had previously been with Aberdeen Lads Club as an amateur, working as an office clerk during the day.

George Anderson did well in bringing him to Dundee, as there had been interest from clubs south of the border. Bert made a name for himself playing for the Army whilst doing his National Service. He played in many representative matches and won five medals. Reading tried to sign him on the day he was demobbed, and Fulham offered him a trial. However, he turned both clubs down and arrived at Dens Park on a month’s trial, scoring “a fine goal” in a match against East Fife reserves.

Albert made his league debut in a 4-1 win over Stirling Albion in December 1951, scoring his first league goal for the club.

He will be remembered as part of the Scottish Cup Final team that beat Kilmarnock 2-0 on October 25^th 1952. Henderson’s performance that day wasn’t his best, playing at inside right it was reported, that he was badly affected by nerves. In fact, after the match he told a reporter, that “he had been a bag of nerves,” and that he could not do a thing right.” Ten minutes before the end Jimmy Toner swapped positions with Albert. It was an inspired move as Jimmy straight away put in a cross, which led to Bobby Flavell scoring the first of Dundee’s goals.

During his career at Dens Park, Albert had more than his fair share of ankle injuries, which kept him out of the side.

After a long career with Dundee, he moved to St Mirren in January 1961 for a fee of £2,500. Within a year, however, he had to retire due to a knee injury.

Bobby Cox paid Albert a huge compliment commenting that he was “A hard player and a real team man – a great servant to the club.”

After retiring he gained employment in Dundee as a salesman, before being announced as the new manager/secretary of Arbroath F.C. in September 1962, replacing John Prentice, who went on to become Dundee F.C. manager in 1968. Management had long been his ambition. Although having no experience, he said “I hope to pick up most of the know-how as I go along.” This he certainly did. In the thirteen years leading up to the creation of the Premier League in 1975, Arbroath were promoted twice and spent a total of four seasons in Scotland’s top division. He attracted former Dee, Billy Pirie to move to Gayfield, and worked with John Fletcher who later made a move to Dens Park. His tenure came to an end in 1980, when he left the club by mutual consent.

Albert died on 7^th May 2008 aged 76, and is buried at St Vigeons, Arbroath.